FYI November 2018

How ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE can make your business smarter

AGM 2018

Business Success

Full report and new board members Pg 8

Growing AI that doesn’t cost the earth Pg 11

NOVEMBER 2018 — MEMBER NEWS AND INFORMATION

Professional Development Tech that’s revolutionising recruitment Pg 23

businessnh.org.nz

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FROM THE CHAIR

From the Chair Artificial Intelligence is certainly not only for big business. It can, will and does apply to business of all sizes. There is no shortage of commentary on this topic, and this issue of FYI will help to demystify AI and show you some practical applications of the technology. It can also be fun. If you would like to experience it directly first hand, go to pandorabots.com/mitsuku and have a chat with Mitsuku. She is quite a famous chatbot that uses the latest AI for you to talk to.

On a more serious note, we held our AGM recently and there were a number of executive committee members whom we will not see in 2019. I would like to thank Emma Monsellier, Janet Marshall, Lisa Hill and Greg Fritelli for the commitment and passion they have brought to Business North Harbour over a number of years. The experience and knowledge that departed this year will be truly

difficult to replace and I can only hope we do justice to the amazing platform you have left Business North Harbour to work with. A warm welcome also to our two newest executive committee members: Ketien Chuor and Ryan de Zwalt – no pressure then.

Finally, everyone loves a bargain, right?

Well circle Saturday 24 November for our famous one day sale. This sale only happens once a year and is used by our retailers and wholesalers to provide quality goods at often unbelievable prices. It’s seriously an event not to be missed. A full index of participating businesses will be available prior to the day at businessnh.org.nz/onedaysale2018.

Happy shopping!

Peter Lamberton Chair, Business North Harbour

In this issue 4 6 8 10 11 12 14

In Brief Diary Dates, Events AGM 2018 Report Money Matters Business Success – Autogrow Crime Prevention Social Responsibility – Inorganic and Food Waste Collection Updates 16 Transport 17 NZTA

18 Cover Story – How AI Can Make Your Business Smarter 22 Professional Development – AMPM Marketing 23 Professional Development – Eclipse Recruitment 24 Professional Development – Solution Dynamics 25 Professional Development – Giltrap North Shore

26 28 30 31 32 36

One Day Sale Advocacy Community – Hearing Dogs NZ Asian Business Matters Property Matters Professional Development – Trio 37 Professional Development – Ramada Albany 38 Gold Sponsors

BUSINESS NORTH HARBOUR GOLD SPONSORS 2018-2019

Women in Business Event Series Sponsor

Contact FYI Magazine Business North Harbour General Manager Janine Brinsdon janine@businessnh.org.nz

Editor Lizzie Brandon lizzie@writesphere.co.nz

Advertising Janine Brinsdon janine.brinsdon@businessnh.org.nz

Design Lewis Hurst lewis@hurstmedia.nz

Printer PrintLounge printlounge.co.nz

Business North Harbour, 12 Parkway Drive, North Harbour, 0632. PO Box 303 126, North Harbour 0751 office 09 968 2222 web businessnh.org.nz The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publishers.The publisher does not endorse any person, company or organisation that advertises in this publication.

NOVE MBE R 2 0 1 8 F YI BUSINE SS N H. O RG. N Z

3

IN B RIEF

Bee swarms Bee Swarm is a collective of mostly Auckland-based beekeepers who offer a fast, safe and free bee swarm removal service. Members are all experienced, registered beekeepers with DECA certification.

Bee swarms often don’t survive in the wild due to varoa mite and pesticides. If you wish to report a swarm, please call 0275 479 276 (0275 4swarm). Your swarm will be promptly relocated to a hive, treated for any mites, and fed if necessary.

Alternatively, if you need to report a wasp swarm, please contact your local pest exterminator. Wasps are the enemies of bees; they kill bees and rob beehives.

(Please note: Bee Swarm doesn’t remove bumble bee nests. These creatures’ generally placid nature makes this unnecessary.)

Do you qualify for an ACC refund?

Starbucks opens first USA deaf-friendly café

Since 2002, approximately 300,000 business customers were charged incorrect ACC levies. If you were in your first year of self-employment between 2002 and 2007, or paid provisional ACC levies having ceased trading, you may be owed a refund.

The refund process will be completed by 31 March 2019, and ACC expects to pay out about $100 million. Phil Riley, ACC’s head of business customer service delivery said, “I would like to apologise to customers who have been affected, our focus now is to make this right as soon as we can.”

As businesses strive to break down barriers for a more inclusive world, Starbucks has opened its first US “signing store” in Washington DC. All the staff are either hearing-impaired or deaf and proficient in American Sign Language (ASL), meaning that patrons can place their orders with baristas who wear an “I sign” pin. The store is also equipped with digital displays and notepads, an ordering console with two-way keyboards, and low-glare reflective surfaces.

To find out more, visit business.acc.co.nz/refunds

You can read more at news.starbucks.com/news/eightthings-to-know-about-the-new-starbucks-signing-store

Looking for Christmas work?

Retail NZ has put together some useful tips for anyone seeking a summer job, including advice on interview techniques, personal presentation, and how to write a CV and covering letter. “To work in retail, you do need an outgoing personality, good numeracy and literacy skills and, who knows, it might be the start of a retail career for you,” says Retail NZ’s GM for public affairs, Greg Harford.

Further info is available at retail.kiwi/summer-jobs

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NOV E MBER 2 0 1 8 F YI B U S INES S NH. ORG. NZ

IN BRIEF

Promoting the plus-points of pushing the pedal As the weather improves – and petrol prices become ever more prohibitive – perhaps it’s time to get out of the driving seat and onto the bike saddle.

The Workplace Cycling Guide is an initiative supported by Sustainable Business Network and NZTA, which aims to promote the many and varied benefits of cycling, such as healthier people, less congestion and reduced CO2 emissions. The online guide contains information about fleet bikes, staying safe and facilities and equipment checklists.

Full details are on nzta.govt.nz/walkingcycling-and-public-transport/cycling/ workplace-cycling-guide

drive. For example, offering practical advice about providing safe and suitable bike parking at your work premises.

To get involved, visit bikeswelcome.org/ bikes-mean-businesses North Harbour employers might even like to follow the lead of one small Christchurch business, which has gone so far as to offer its employees $5 every time they bike to or from work. There’s also a pledge that this amount will double if they bike more than half their annual workdays.

New Customs and Excise Act 2018 This new legislation came into effect in October, and updates the 1996 Act, which “wasn’t in step with modern business practices”. Importers, exporters, brokers, logistics operators and other service providers who deal with Customs are required to comply.

An overview of the Act can be found at customs.govt.nz/ 2018-act-education

Bikes Welcome is an organisation whose goal is to make everyday bike riding easier, more attractive and “normal”. Its team also assists businesses to support staff and customers who choose to cycle rather than

Local Biosecurity Training for Transitional Facility Operators (TFO) and Accredited Persons (AP)

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for courses completed in November, December 2018 & January 2019 – T’s & C’s apply

New Zealand Biosecurity Academy (Albany based), is approved by the Ministry for Primary Industries to deliver Accredited Person and Transitional Facility Operator training.

We provide: • Cost effective training • Local provider for the North Harbour Business District • Small personalised classes • Experienced trainers to help you meet regulatory requirements • Off street parking • Training scheduled weekly • Biosecurity Manual updating • Biosecurity Awareness Training onsite/offsite

If your company is involved in the transport, delivery and devanning of imported shipping containers and imported goods you need us.

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Supporting North Shore Businesses

www.biosecurityacademy.nz FACILITATING TRADE + PROTECTING ENVIRONMENTS + ENABLING BIODIVERSITY + MAINTAINING HUMAN HEALTH

DIARY DATES

Diary Dates November 22 Business Capability Workshop

Time: 7.00 am-9.30 am Venue: Level 1, North Lounge, QBE Stadium, Stadium Drive, Albany Laurie Sharp, head of coaching at ASB Bank, is back by popular demand!

You may think that the end of November is a strange time to be holding a workshop on motivating your people. We often need help to keep the focus for the last few weeks of the year, but the real value will be to get you thinking about how you will drive the team in 2019. Laurie is an engaging presenter and he has promised that this workshop will provide real tools which you can use to: • First get people to believe • Find out what motivates your team • Close the gap between your top and bottom performers • Apply lessons from professional sport in business

Emma Monsellier

We look forward to seeing you and your guests at this event.

Cost: Free for one representative of Business North Harbour members and associate members. Guests of members will be charged $40 plus GST to attend.

Non-BID members are welcome, subject to space, at $60 + GST per guest.

Register: businessnh.org.nz/calendar

24 One Day Sale

It’s a Christmas shopping extravaganza with bargains galore! Turn to page 17 for more information or visit businessnh.org.nz/ onedaysale2018 to see a list of all participating businesses.

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NOV E MBER 2 0 1 8 F YI B U S INES S NH. ORG. NZ

Lance Burdett

Business Capability Workshop People, Policies & Polite Conversations, 14 August Emma Monsellier, Monsellier Law Lance Burdett, WARN International Two contrasting presentation styles made for a thought-provoking, entertaining and dynamic workshop.

Emma Monsellier offered practical advice about policies and procedures to help directors and business owners find their way through the minefield of employment law and health and safety legislation. From time to time, everyone dreads having a particular conversation – either because of the individual involved or the necessary topic of discussion. However, thanks to Lance Burdett, workshop attendees are now better equipped to deal with these situations. Lance is a former senior police officer, experienced in crisis negotiations, who shed light on some smart and surprising techniques to reduce stress levels and help facilitate meaningful dialogue. There was so much crammed into this two-hour session, delegates left the event buzzing.

EVENTS

Business After 5

Buck Shelford leads the room in a haka

Effective communication across a wide and diverse group, 13 September Buck Shelford, All Black legend in partnership with Leading Solutions and Spark It was a genuine pleasure to bring (back) Buck to North Shore Golf Club. His warmth, humour and experience resonated with the audience, along with the mana that he’d previously carried onto the sports field.

He spoke with passion about the All Blacks as a brand, and the crucial role of brand communication. He also talked of personal and team values, and how, when talent can only get you so far, attitude can get you over the line.

A memorable evening was completed when Buck led the room in a haka – albeit some guests were more co-ordinated than others!

North Shore Commercial Property Group NZ Commercial Property Market: a global and local perspective, 29 August Sean Ellison, Senior Economist Asia-Pacific, RICS Sean Ellison’s presentation included an amazing amount of local, regional and international data to illustrate how New Zealand in general (and Auckland specifically) could be affected by global trends. Overall, Auckland forecasts are tending to be positive in terms of rents and CVs, and foreign investors are still likely to choose Auckland rather than Wellington or Christchurch as “the gateway to NZ”.

RICS publishes regular market surveys, which can be found at rics.org/economics

Sean Ellison

Women in Business Pressing the right buttons at home and at work, 21 August Allison Mooney Allison Mooney is well-known as The People Interpreter, and her presentation to a packed North Shore Golf Club focused on different personality types and behaviours.

Attendees gained valuable insights into their own character and that of their family and colleagues. It was an interactive and fun couple of hours! As is customary, this Women in Business was accompanied by a delicious morning tea served on bone china crockery.

A special thanks to our event sponsor Eclipse Recruitment.

Allison Mooney

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AGM

CONNECT

– Create a strong and well connected business community – Create opportunities for economic development, new supplier and customer relationships

AGM 2018 REPORT

ANNUAL REPORT

How did we do?

30 JUNE 2018

BUSINESS PLAN 1 JULY 2018–30 JUNE 2021

Thank you to the thirty plus members, associate members and interested parties who attended the 2018 Annual General Meeting of Business North Harbour Incorporated, 16 October 2018 at 4pm.

The chair and general manager reported back on the highlights of the 2017/18 financial year, and outlined the broad strategy for the 2019-21 periods.

Peter Lamberton highlighted that Business North Harbour’s role is to represent our members, and for the board to be held accountable to that standard.

During 2017/18 we undertook a strategic review of our priorities which lead to some changes into 2019 and 2020 – mainly the significant investment planned across member education, along with a lift of quality expectations – both in delivery and returns, across our general communication and event programme.

It was a busy year in terms of the Auckland Plan to 2050, Auckland Council’s Long Term Plan 2018-28 and strategic transport plans – Government Policy Statement 2018 and Auckland’s Regional Land Transport Plan. Parking and transport woes continue to be the biggest issues facing our members. We unquestionably have access to the right people but, even as a BID of our size, at times our influence is limited. Collaboration across key BIDs will add weight to our voice.

We will be proactive in managing the impact of explosive regional and local growth.

Janine Brinsdon noted that during the period of the Annual Report, the organisation’s focus has remained on providing opportunities for business and commercial property owners to connect, communicate and collaborate. The 2017/18 financial year has seen Business North Harbour’s operational and executive team focused on extracting the maximum benefits from existing programmes, and consistently challenge their relevance, plus assessing the value these programmes deliver to members. We continued to provide increased education to members and their employees.

Business North Harbour remains focused on providing exceptional value to members via the increased leverage of a larger organisation.

Key performance matrices were presented with the attendees being referred to complete KPIs provided in the written report. Annual Financial Reports, 30 June 2018, were presented to the satisfaction of the members present.

See the full report at www.businessnh.org.nz/agm2018 8

NOV E MBER 2 0 1 8 F YI B U S INES S NH. ORG. NZ

HE L L O my name is

800

attendees at our Business Lunch, Business Breakfast, Business After Five and Special Interest Group events

$60,000

Gold Sponsorship 2017/18

Hosted four CEO Forum’s, programme suspended

Business North Harbour remains focused on providing exceptional value to members via the increased leverage of a larger organisation.

With thanks to our outgoing executive committee members

Greg Frittelli

Lisa Hill

Janet Marshall

Emma Monsellier

AGM

COMMUNICATE

COLLABORATE

– Well informed membership base – Provide B2B and B2C marketing opportunities for a localised consumer – Provide portals to celebrate local business success and news

How did we do?

INCREASE

30%

INCREASE IN FEED IMPRESSIONS

$25,000

10%

INCREASE IN FEED IMPRESSIONS INCREASE IN PROFILE VISITS

764

$20,000

grant funding

INCREASE IN ENGAGEMENT

10% 10%

– Influence projects and deliver programmes which will increase productivity, capacity, capability, profitability and return on investment

How did we do?

20%

80%

– Increase representation and voice for local business/property investors with local and central government

grant funding

commuters informed about transport options

459 visits by our crime prevention specialist

637

3950

INCREASE

businesses contacted regarding proposed Rosedale Bus Station

reports received on security ‘hot sites’

16%

30%

INCREASE

INCREASE IN WEBSITE ENGAGEMENT

Food waste collection programme launched March 2018 with assistance from Auckland Council

AT reviewed

Business Capability Programme

17,600

Forward Together Because a loyal and motivated team is essential for business growth

AGM 2017 Full report and new Executive Board Pg 18

Asian Business Matters New feature Pg 27

Unit Titles Property legislation explained Pg 35

NOVEMBER 2017 — MEMBER NEWS AND INFORMATION FYI November 2017.indb 1

businessnh.org.nz

copies of FYI magazine printed and distributed

345%

INCREASE

ORGANIC REACH

3/11/17 12:02 PM

670+

information packs distributed detailing member programmes and services

3000% INCREASE

PAID REACH

exceeded the target by nine workshops held

50%,

Formal submissions – Auckland Plan 2050 – Auckland Council’s Long-Term Plan 2018-28 – Upper Harbour Local Board 2018-28 – Government Policy Statement 2018 – Regional Land Transport Programme 2018-28 – Auckland Unitary Plan (Environmental Court Hearing) – retail parking – Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan

20 routes –

proposed North Shore Public Transport network

Auckland BIDs leadership team The six main BIDs formed a leadership group to streamline lobbying and to give a voice across consistent issues

Welcome to our new executive committee members Ryan de Zwart

Ketien Chuor

Ryan is a North Harbour commercial property owner and landlord, and also a commercial sales and leasing agent for Colliers International; having been involved in this role since 2004. With a strong local contact base, and a good understanding of the businesses in the North Harbour/ Albany/Mairangi commercial region, Ryan offers a role to improve the quality of the working environment in this region.

Ryan’s wife, Sarah, is employed with Business North Harbour as a relationship manager and transport projects.

In his spare time, Ryan keeps himself busy by mountain biking, skiing, gym and dog walking duties – not to mention the constant demands of two teenage girls.

Ryan hopes to help connect business needs/wants, and facilitate the benefits which the Business North Harbour BID offers.

Ketien has more than 10 years experience dealing with business customers in the finance industry, holding a number of roles within ASB Bank Ltd. She is currently a commercial insurance manager, having formerly been an effective business manager for three years, and is skilled in understanding what is important to business owners and the support they require to achieve their goals.

Ketien is also a strong advocate in promoting diversity and inclusion.

She was on the board for Young Women in Finance (YWF) NZ, assisting young women gain valuable career insights from highly successful women leaders in the finance industry. Specifically YWF strives to provide high quality professional development and networking opportunities.

Ketien is passionate about collaboration and implementing positive change; she believes it is the collective that makes a difference.

Black Matrix Ltd

ASB Bank Ltd

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PROPERTY

When quitting smashed avocado isn’t enough - a guide to getting on the property ladder There’s no doubt getting into the property market is tough. Giving up smashed avocado just won’t do it – at least until you’ve skipped it every day for 20 years!

If savings and KiwiSaver won’t get you a deposit fast enough, here are other avenues to explore.

You could do what a reported 60-70% of first homebuyers did in 2017: access the “Bank of Mum and Dad”. This could be cash, using equity in their home, or guaranteeing your loan.

If those aren’t options, investigate a Welcome Home Loan. This allows certain banks to offer 90% mortgages if you meet criteria like: a combined income of less than $130,000, a 10% deposit, being a first-home buyer and the property is under the price cap.

Similar criteria apply to the KiwiSaver HomeStart Grant. If you’ve been contributing for at least three years, you may be eligible for up to $10,000.

Another option is buying a property with a long settlement of nine to 12 months. That’s

usually a new build which requires a 5-10% initial deposit. However, you need to be confident you’ll have the cash by then and must ensure your deposit is kept in a trust account until completion.

Joining forces with friends in a property syndicate is another option, but make sure

you get a legal contract drawn up, so no one can renege on their obligations.

If your income is high but your deposit isn’t, you could bolster your deposit with a loan from a second-tier lender. This is a short-term measure that requires care.

Finally, you could go into the ballot for a Kiwibuild house. So far, only a handful have been built and there’s thousands of people in the ballot – but you’ve got to be in to win!

Once you’ve bought, your next job is to get mortgage-free as fast as possible.

If you want help getting a foot on the property ladder, or getting mortgage-free fast, visit enableme.co.nz to see stories from people we’ve helped do just that – and more.

Hannah McQueen is an accountant, author, authorised financial advisor and founder of enableMe. www.enableme.co.nz

WHY BE A SLAVE TO THE BANK FOR 30 YEARS? When you could be mortgage-free in 10 years.

It is possible, and we can show you how to make 10 years your new 30.

So get in control, get mortgage-free fast and grow your wealth with enableMe.

Visit enableme.co.nz

BUSINESS SUCCESS: AUTOGROW

Growing AI technology that doesn’t cost the earth Growing enough food to feed the planet is becoming daily more challenging – not least because of a predicted 70% urbanisation worldwide by 2030. Add to this the issues associated with climate change, access to water, energy costs and a general shortage of labour, and it’s clear that horticultural businesses need smart support to help them grow and thrive.

Based in Constellation Drive, Autogrow is a global Kiwi business focused on helping growers optimise their operations through intelligent automation. “Our goal is to help them achieve better quality and better yield in the most efficient and sustainable way possible,” says Autogrow’s head of communications, Kylie Horomia.

Of course, it would be delightful if all fruits and veges happily grew outside in sprawling fields, but in reality, this is neither practical nor sustainable. “We know that a protected indoor environment uses 80%-95% less water than growing unprotected outdoors,” Kylie explains. “Some of this is due to reduced evaporation from the soil, but it’s primarily because an automated system can be programmed to water the plants only when they need to be watered while controlling the environment for optimal results.”

Autogrow’s automation offers other environmental advantages too. Growers can track their water run-off, meaning they understand precisely what they’re removing and putting back into the water table. This could be crucial both for their eco-friendly

5.00 am nutrient boost – which is good for his mental health as well as his plants’ health.

The system also gives growers the opportunity to transition from mono-crop to multi-crops, because their automation can deal with the watering and feeding requirements of several different crop zones within one environment. Diversification mitigates risk, and so this makes good business sense.

“We know that a protected indoor environment uses 80%-95% less water than growing unprotected outdoors.” consumer credentials and also to evidence their compliance with appropriate legislation.

“If the council knocks on the door asking about your nitrate levels or water run-off, you can instantly access your data via your smartphone.”

Cloud data storage and remote access also mean that growers are no longer welded to their farms. They could be in Fiji checking all’s well with their soft fruits in Dairy Flat.

Moreover, one Northland grower told Kylie he can now sleep through the night without having to worry about a 3.00 am watering or

The pace of change with AI and automation is unprecedented, and Autogrow is right at the cutting edge. As a direct response to a grower’s enquiry – and within a timeframe of just two weeks – their tech team successfully created a proof of concept for the first talking crop automation system. “When people watch the YouTube video of our first tests, they are often stunned,” comments Kylie. “I think it’s because you can see the voice integration really working. It’s gone beyond merely providing information; it’s now engaged in performing an actual task.”

Kylie says their next phase will include predictive AI. The system can already open the ventilation slats when the temperature reaches, for example, 25°C, but it could soon be even smarter than that. “By applying external weather data it could make reasoned decisions,” she explains. “Say the forecast is for sunshine and 25°C, the AI could calculate that the interior temperature might reach 29°C, and therefore open the vents early to prevent over-heating or necessitate extra watering. And that’s what we’re striving for – a continuously optimised environment, rather than peaks and troughs, which makes efficient use of resources and ultimately helps the grower nurture a more profitable business.”

For Autogrow, this isn’t about the “rise of the robots” or replacing humans, but instead using technology to free up employees from repetitious tasks – such as walking around with a hose twice a day – and therefore giving them the opportunity to upskill, which could ultimately be of more benefit to them and the economy in general.

Kylie acknowledges that grower education could be a barrier to AI adoption. “It might be hard to hand over control of your livelihood to a machine – but we know the benefits could be huge.” Therefore, Autogrow will provide online training videos to help overcome the “unknown unknowns”. As Kylie points out, “Until a few years ago we didn’t realise we needed a camera on our phone, and now most of us can’t live without it.”

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CRIME PREVENTION

Know your neighbours Good communication is critical in everyday life, business and personal. It is equally imperative in crime prevention.

Sharing information with your neighbours (for example, about suspicious persons or vehicles) may well be the key to preventing incidents of crime, or in fact, solving crime.

Getting to know your neighbours is vital, and a genuine strength of a safe and prosperous community or neighbourhood. This is also just as applicable in the commercial/ business space.

Just as neighbours are vital to a safe residential neighbourhood, your business neighbours are critical to your business environment.

Taking time to chat is a great way of understanding issues that affect your neighbourhood, and could highlight some things you may not even be aware of. The sharing of information and building these relationships is key, and the foundation of growing a strong and safer area.

It’s also important to understand what and who is available to assist you. Being part of the area’s business association and knowing

who is your local community constable are very good starting points. They can supply you with information about your immediate street and wider area, giving you great crime prevention ideas and details of crime trends that affect your district.

The warmer months are fast approaching, and this always means a significant increase in those visiting the North Shore. Unfortunately, some of these people will be here for less than honourable reasons – and this is where good neighbourly relationships come into their own.

North Shore is a great community to live and work in. We have a strong sense of community, and you can enhance this even further by taking a few extra steps.

• G e t t i n g t o k n o w y o u r n e i g h b o u r s , understanding their movements and business hours.

• Checking your property is locked and secured, and not being complacent.

• Making sure that your security measures are fit for purpose – internal and external

lighting is working, alarms and sensors are adjusted correctly.

• If applicable, your security/monitoring company should also be fit for purpose.

• Always trust your gut feeling. Report any suspicious behaviour or incidents to the police.

Our biggest weapons against crime are your vigilance and a strong community.

Police cannot tackle the incidents of crime or make the community safer on our own. It is a partnership, and we all can play a part in achieving this.

Senior Sergeant Scott Cunningham Waitemata East Area HQ 52 Parkway Drive, Mairangi Bay scott.cunningham@police.govt.nz

HELP REDUCE LANDFILL

FOOD WASTE COLLECTION AVAILABLE Your first 6 collections are FREE TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY

Contact Dave on 021 560 287 to find out more businessnh.org.nz/foodwastecollection

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Inorganics update Our most recent inorganics collection service ran on 20-21 September, and was the second collection of 2018.

Items collected included e-waste, broken and re-usable office chairs, filing cabinets, cupboards, rollaway desk drawers, tables and fans.

At their premises, Abilities Group went through the items and separated scrap metal, plastic, paper, plastic, cardboard, glass or wood. They then took the reusable items to Massey University, who kindly provided the space for local community groups to go through and see what items they could put to good use.

We’re planning to repeat our inorganic collections in 2019, provisionally in March and September. Keep an eye on the website and e-newsletter for confirmed dates.

0.5m3 Sent to landfill

10m3 reused by community groups

51.5m3 collected

41m3 recycled by Abilities Group

28

businesses signed up for collections

72%

hadn’t used the service before

Food Waste Collection update Murray Mackessack and the team at Appresso Catering have been using the food waste collection service for several months now. Dave Loader from Business North Harbour helped Murray work out the numbers – the amount of their rubbish that was food waste, and what size bin would be appropriate – and the offer of six free uplifts was appealing. Currently Appresso use a 240L bin every week, and Murray reckons this saves about 30% of their general waste space. “It feels like a good thing to do,” says Murray. “We’re using far fewer plastic bags, and, judging by the positive responses we’ve had on social media, it’s an initiative that our customers appreciate too.”

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NOV E MBER 2 0 1 8 F YI B U S INES S NH. ORG. NZ

28%

were repeat users

Whānau Mārama is a non-profit organisation committed to reducing child abuse and family violence on the North Shore. The group’s practical courses help parents and extended family connect positively with children by using non-punitive strategies, thus forging strong and respectful relationships across multiple generations. Whānau Mārama is also one of the groups which has benefited from Business North Harbour’s inorganics collections.

Programme co-ordinator, Elizabeth Cameron (pictured here with Gabriel Taranto), says they’ve picked out about 10 chairs, a couple of three-drawer units, a pedestal fan and a small wooden coffee table. “We’re very grateful for this useful service,” she explains. “It saves us having to apply for some grants for our office furniture, and of course that means there’s more funding available for other worthwhile causes.”

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Transport Minister Phil Twyford recently announced that “a record” $5.7 billion will be invested in transport over the next three years. Mr Twyford said, “Safety is a top priority … and $875m will be spent on programmes and projects in Auckland that will save lives. This will include revamping intersections to stop collisions, installing median barriers in high-risk areas, and increasing road policing.”

Additionally: • $1.9 billion will be invested in public transport.

• $149 million is earmarked for walking and cycling to create routes including the SeaPath walking and cycling connection between Northcote Point and Esmonde Road, and the SkyPath project across the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

NOV E MBER 2 0 1 8 F YI B U S INES S NH. ORG. NZ

Ave

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933 939 966

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Bayswater Primary

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802 866 923 924 931

Ferries to West Harbour, Beach Haven and Hobsonville

Ave

Bay

24/09/18 1:36 PM

NX1 NX2 82 95 97

Ferry to Northcote & Birkenhead

Bayswater Wha Akoranga Statio

Long Bay, Torba Station, Massey Constellation St

AT will be implementing the proposed Belmont build-out of the berm and the 871 814 pedestrian crossing, at the northern Narrow end of Ramp Road, with works due to Neck proceed between nowCheltenham and June 2019.

878 Beach 807 You may have noted since the implementation of the new bus Cheltenham 917 schedule, AT has acquired additional Devonport North parking on Parkway and Ramp Torpedo DriveHead Bay Devonport Wharf Road.

This has been confirmed923as only a temporary measure.

AT is also looking at the intersection at the southern end of Ramp Road and Sunset Road, with the review of erecting a roundabout.

Shoa l

Northcote

Auckland Harbour Bridge

od Rd

Constellation St Henderson

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Kendall Bay

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Waitemata Harbour

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by Government Birkenhead

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This crossing is to enable pedestrians 843 to safely cross between the Albany Mega Centre and the Mercari Business Centre and surrounding 856 shops. It is due to be completed by 814 July 2019.

Takapuna Beach

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Services in this direction only

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Ferry Terminal

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KEY SYMBOLS

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Plan your trip by checking out at.govt.nz/journeyplanner or by 939 95 97 Highbury downloading the AT Mobile app.

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There has been a delay caused by an issue with underground services.

120 Completion of the traffic lights at Rothwell Avenue is now scheduled 801 for December.

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AT has confirmed it has received the allocated funding. Please visit Business North Harbour’s Transport page to 97B view artist’s sketches of the project.

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901 on the North On 30 September, AT introduced a new bus network Shore, Warkworth and Kowhai Coast.

Greenhithe Business North Harbour had represented our members, and 906 Bayview Wairau 95B submitted more than 20 proposed changes to the bus routes Valley initially 906 939 planned. The main request was to increase 941 Glenfield frequency at peak times on many of the routes. We also provided a solid rationale to amo Creek Oru 906 Sunnybrae 941 introduce a new service through Corinthian Drive.

926 120 95 We are pleased to report that AT acted upon906almost all of our Sunset Bay Windy Ridge 917 906 recommendations.

939 933 939 Catalina A map of the new routes is available at: at.govt.nz/media/1977846/ Birkdale Bay Marlborough Beach north-shore-new-network-map-29-august.pdf Haven 942 Hillcrest Wainoni Park Sth

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A u c k l a n d Tr a n s p o r t ( AT ) h a s Glenfield, Onew confirmed that it will be developing 95 (Lower Albert S additional land at 125 McClymonts Road, which will have a further 97 135 Beach Haven, O Britomart (Lowe car parking spaces by the end of the CONNECTOR SERV year. A multi-storey car park is also At least every 30 minutes, due to be built on the site by 2026, Lower frequencies early m taking the total number of additional Hauraki Gulf Bayview, Glenfie spaces to 700.

95B

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News in brief

83 856 865 878

Ave Montgomery

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Albany Station, Ponsonby Rd, Ka Auckland City H Monday to Frida

FREQUENT SERVIC

Hyde Rd

icoe Rd Jell W yom ing Ave Monta na Ave

866 Winstones Cove

Valley Rd

Masterton

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North Head Reserve

Naval Museum

Devonport

Ferry to Devonport

Ferries to Waiheke, Half Moon Bay, Gulf Harbour & Pine Harbour

Paid parking

A reminder that AT is introducing paid parking before Christmas within the Corinthian Drive to Oteha Valley Road area.

Electric vehicle (EV) trial on T2 lanes

AT will not be continuing the trial as their research has shown that being given access onto T2 lane via certain on-ramps was not a major incentive for people to purchase EVs.

Constellation St Smales Farm Sta

Browns Bay, We Constellation St

Albany Station, Albany Highway

Akoranga Statio Wellesley St, Ma

NZTA UPDATE

Northern Corridor Improvements Tirohanga Wh nui walking and cycling bridge The final girder of the newest walking and cycling bridge on the North Shore was lifted into place over the Northern Motorway at Spencer Road in Albany on 1 October.

The Northern Corridor Improvements (NCI) team closed the Northern Motorway between Greville Road and Oteha Valley Road to install the 110 metre, 200 tonne structure in three parts over a series of nights.

Tirohanga Whānui which means “panoramic view” will reconnect the community between the East Coast Bays and Albany. It will enable people to walk and cycle safely across the bridge spanning the motorway and will give better access to the nearby Albany Station and business area.

A new water main will also be installed directly underneath the bridge by Watercare as part of their Pinehill upgrade project, to help cater for the growing needs of the area.

Opening scheduled for early 2019

Finishing touches will be made to the bridge and a shared path will be added to each entrance before the bridge is planned to open to the public in early 2019.

For more information visit www.nzta.govt.nz/tirohanga-whanui

New facility for North Harbour BMX now open

Pony facilities at Greenhithe to open in the New Year

The first of the three world-class facilities that have been under construction as part of the NCI project was officially opened on 6 November. North Harbour BMX was handed the keys to its brand new, all-weather complex in time for the summer season. With a professional track, an 8m ramp and berm jump, the new facility will give the local club the ability to host international events. An amateur track with a 5m ramp and rhythm section will enable the club to cater to both experienced and aspiring BMX riders.

For more information visit www.nzta.govt.nz/north-harbour-bmx

Since construction began in April, considerable progress has been made on shared pony facilities for Wainoni Park Pony Club and Greenhithe Riding for the Disabled (RDA). Two all-weather arenas, a path linking the two pony clubs and a new hay shed and extended car park for RDA are among some of the work that has been completed to date. Work will continue on the new clubhouse, landscaping and installing power before the complex is officially opened early next year.

For more information visit www.nzta.govt.nz/wainoni-park

The Northern Corridor Improvements project will provide a much needed transport upgrade for the whole Albany and North Harbour community. It includes a new motorway connection between SH1 and SH18 and will open up access to the Western Ring Route and travel to the airport.

The project started construction in April this year and is being delivered by the Northern Corridor Improvements Alliance made up of the NZ Transport Agency, Fulton Hogan, HEB Construction, Opus and Jacobs.

NOVE MBE R 2 0 1 8 F YI BUSINE SS N H. O RG. N Z

17

COVER STORY

How artificial intelligence can make your business smarter

Where it all began

The term artificial intelligence (AI) was first coined in 1956 by computer scientist, John McCarthy. Just as Tim Berners-Lee is widely regarded as the “Father of the Internet”, so John McCarthy is known as the “Father of AI”. He believed that “every aspect of learning or any other feature of intelligence can in principle be so precisely described that a machine can be made to simulate it.” In 1958 he created Lisp, a computer language that became the standard for AI programming and is still in use today for all sorts of Internetbased services, including credit card fraud detection and airline scheduling. It also paved the way for voice recognition technology, like Siri, Alexa and Google.

What is AI?

Isuru Fernando is the analytics and artificial intelligence leader for IBM New Zealand and an executive council member of the AI Forum.

He describes AI this way: “Who inspires you in your work? What if that person was beside you every day to help you make better business decisions, faster? At IBM, that’s how we think of artificial intelligence – as augmented intelligence: machines enhancing and supporting human capabilities.”

18

NOV E MBER 2 0 1 8 F YI B U S INES S NH. ORG. NZ

He explains that great AI should be built on four pillars: • Understanding – the ability to recognise not just stats and data, but the same information as humans comprehend, such as e-mails, images, video content, research papers, text books and written notes • Reasoning – the ability to form hypotheses • Learning – the ability to re-evaluate those hypotheses with each new data point

35%

real-world challenges, including winning the TV game show Jeopardy and, here in New Zealand, designing a menu with Kiwi chef and entrepreneur, Simon Gault. There’s a video of this project on YouTube, and Simon Gault’s language is worth noting. He talks about “working with Chef Watson”, and how the flavour combinations being suggested were “mind-blowing” and “pushed the boundaries”.

In other words, he quickly came to regard this as a genuine collaboration that could have

of consumers say they are/would be comfortable with a business using AI to interact with them

• Interaction – the ability to connect and communicate as smoothly as a human IBM’s own AI system is Watson, and in 2015 it made the Creativity 50 – an annual review of the world’s most creatively influential minds. (That 50 also included JJ Abrams, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Banksy.)

IBM Watson has been applied to all sorts of

(survey of 6,000 adults across six countries)

provided a valuable competitive advantage in a notoriously cut-throat industry.

What could AI do for your business?

AI will never get bored or throw a sickie, and it can perform tasks in minutes that would take a person days or even weeks.

COVER STORY

81%

of companies say they have or are close to having a holistic view of their customers

37% 47%

of customers say their favourite retailer understands them

35%

of consumers say communications from their favourite brands are usually relevant

BUT ONLY

of brands say they have a “strong capability” for providing relevant communications

WHILE ONLY

SOURCE: IBM COMMERCE, ECONSULTANCY REPORT "THE CUSTOMER CONVERSATION"

The great CX divide

By integrating AI into their customer Businesses often start with introducing support, businesses can significantly reduce a chatbot as their website concierge. Isuru the average handling time of queries and stresses the importance of this personal automate repetitive questions. engagement with online customers.

This should improve customer “Interaction can have far more satisfaction – and employee value than them simply filling job satisfaction too. out a contact form. When Isuru appreciates that the bot asks a question AI for many seems like like, ‘When’s the best time a leap into the unknown, to call you back?’ and they but emphasises that the tell you to avoid school run benefits are just as tangible times, you’re capturing extra for smaller organisations as data that helps form a more for Fortune 500s. He advises accurate picture of who your Isuru Fernando a measured approach, and urges customer is.” businesses to start small and to not overlook what they already know.

Why machine learning could “Begin with the data you’ve got and the be the future of marketing trends you’re aware of. What are the problems Machine learning (ML) is the branch of AI you’d like to solve with AI? What could it help that learns by analysing data and identifying you do better and faster? How could it improve patterns. As technology’s ability to process your customers’ experience?” massive amounts of data becomes ever Not sure? Ask! “Invariably, the most more efficient, so the business value that successful customer experience (CX) AI can be extracted from ML has boomed. systems are those built in collaboration In a nutshell, it can reduce risk while also with customers.” saving time and money.

Highlights from Shaping a Future New Zealand, a report by the AI Forum of New Zealand, May 2018

• Top 5 drivers of AI uptake in New Zealand:

1. Make sense of vast amounts of data 2. Automate tedious or dangerous work 3. Support decision making with speed and accuracy 4. Reduce business costs through automation 5. Optimise business processes AI has the potential to increase New Zealand’s GDP by up to $54 billion by 2035.

44% of senior management/decision makers consider education as a key barrier to AI adoption.

75% of companies in NZ believe that AI will be – or already is – a game changer in their organisation, but only 28% say their company board is discussing AI. New Zealand ranks 9th out of 35 OECD countries for Government AI Readiness (2017).

• • • •

By using behavioural data, marketers can be more precise when targeting potential customers. They can do this almost instantly too, because ML takes responsiveness to a new level. Think about Facebook’s retargeting adverts. How quickly after visiting a website does a related ad or sponsored post pop up on your newsfeed?

There are tools which can assess activities across multiple online marketing channels (such as Facebook, Adwords, Instagram) analysing performance and making informed decisions about the best use of pay-per-click budget spread.

Similarly, demand forecasting – the possibility to offer customers something before they know they want it – is becoming more commonplace. Notably, whenever Netflix or Spotify make a suggestion: “Because you liked…” – and with each interaction (positive or negative) the system can learn and therefore make smarter recommendations.

Systems like SalesForce’s Einstein AI, allow developers to integrate AI into their CRM applications. This can be used to help small businesses analyse customer sentiments in recorded phone calls, e-mails, online reviews or social media posts, and adjust their marketing and lead generation tactics accordingly.

“AI isn’t a silver bullet,” observes Isuru.

“You have to define its value to you and your business, and be realistic about what you want to achieve with the budget and timeframes available to you. But the numerous benefits are absolutely there for the taking.”

Want to find out more about developing your own AI system?

Just a few of the free, open-source resources IBM Watson Assistant ibm.com/watson/ai-assistant Open source at IBM developer.ibm.com/code/open Google’s TensorFlow machine learning framework tensorflow.org MonkeyLearn’s Gentle Guide to Machine Learning monkeylearn.com/blog/ gentle-guide-to-machine-learning

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COVER STORY

The ethics of AI – How do we hold technology – and ourselves – accountable?

Mention AI and inevitably someone will make a comment about Skynet or Judgment Day. Ensuring that AI is protected from human prejudice and that businesses only act with the utmost integrity is a critical priority.

The UK has a set of five proposed principles for an AI code: • AI should be developed for the common good and benefit of humanity.

• AI should operate on the principles of intelligibility and fairness.

• AI should not be used to diminish the data rights or privacy of individuals, families or communities.

• All citizens have the right to be educated to enable them to flourish mentally, emotionally and economically alongside AI. • The autonomous power to hurt, destroy or deceive human beings should never be vested in AI. HOUSE OF LORDS SELECT COMMITTEE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 2018

Rachel Kelly, founder of Ethical AI, former deputy chair of NZ Tech and working group member of the AI Forum, is one of the people who will be working on a similar code for New Zealand over the next 12 months.

She’s optimistic that this country is well placed to be a torchbearer for AI with ethics.

“We’re one of the world’s most trusted brands, with the least amount of corruption.

We should be able to have robust discussions and set the benchmarks to which others aspire,” she comments. “There are some very smart people involved, and we’re focused on offering tangible, practical recommendations that will benefit small businesses and large corporates.”

Ethics before everything else

Human beings can make moral judgments.

Our reasoning process is based on a highly complex relationship between what some psychologists have called The Six Moral Foundations: Fairness – opposite of dishonesty Care – opposite of disregard Loyalty – opposite of inconsistent Authority – opposite of subversion Sanctity – opposite of corruption Liberty – opposite of restraint “For AI, the challenge is to reduce all these emotive variables to a computable data series,” Rachel explains. “We’re not there yet.

‘Autonomous moral agents’ are a long way off and for now, AI is mostly based on specific scenarios and situations. But I truly believe that these moral foundations are the key to ensuring a more fruitful and healthy long term relationship between society and technology.”

For a reputable business wanting to apply AI, Rachel’s first and strongest piece of 20

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Rachel Kelly

advice concerns data protection. The Data Privacy Act will come into force next year, but she feels that this may not go far enough, and instead recommends Kiwi businesses look to the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). “The best companies in NZ are already GDPR compliant. This makes good sense. It’s estimated that 5% or more of New Zealand’s population are EU citizens, and the regulation is globally enforceable.

We need to lose this perception that NZ is somehow ‘immune’. We’re not – and the penalties can be severe.”

Companies found to be in serious breach of GDPR are liable for penalties of up to 4% of their global revenue. Moreover, data breaches have to be reported within 72 hours, at which point the information will likely be out in the public domain – and a company’s reputation may be irretrievably damaged.

The first non-EU company (AggregateIQ in Canada) was sent a notice for GDPR violation at the end of September. If it fails to comply with the order, it could be fined up to €20 million.

Even if businesses aren’t hiring dedicated data protection managers, Rachel encourages having someone to take the lead in this regard – ensuring that data is being stored securely and accessed appropriately.

Isuru also cautions clients to check the transparency and data responsibility policies of their AI provider, and to maintain ownership of their IP. “At IBM, we’re committed to the customer’s ownership of data and unlike some other AI providers, our clients are not required to relinquish rights to their data, nor the insights derived from that data — and one organisation’s data is

never used to train another organisation’s AI system.”

Trust is the new currency

The AI Now Institute in the USA has called for an end to so-called “black box” algorithms.

It argues that AI systems should be within the scope of meaningful scrutiny. Rachel echoes this opinion, and presents a powerful business reason for doing so. “Trust is the new currency. Customers understand they’re handing over their data to you in exchange for a product or service. They’ll choose the supplier they perceive as the most trustworthy – one that’s transparent, accountable and upfront about what data they’re collecting, how and why.”

She encourages businesses to think of trust as a genuine value proposition and think of actual, practical ways to support “trust by design”. Blockchain could play a part in this.

In fact, as part of Rachel’s focus on redefining digital trust, she’s recently accepted a role with Nyriad. This tech start-up is forging trails in accelerated data storage, giving their customers “next generation data fabric” – the ability to process, manage and analyse multiple data sources and types. “In addition to advanced encryption, they’re also using blockchain to enable transparency.

It provides a real-time audit trail, and ensures the data is not tampered with, which could be especially crucial for medical or legal records.”

“Projects like this keep me hopeful,” comments Rachel. “Technology is a mirror of ourselves. It reflects and amplifies all aspects of our humanity. That includes a darker side too, but I hope there’ll always be the ‘sentinels’ to counter it.”

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

What practical advantages can Artificial Intelligence offer your WordPress website?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can provide smarter and much better user experience to your users. For example, it can improve WordPress search, grammar and style checking, show related content, improve conversions, boost ecommerce sales, and more.

Your website becomes smarter, faster, and more personalised for your users. This saves you time which allows you to do other things to grow your business.

Here are few WordPress plugins that are using AI and machine learning.

After The Deadline

After The Deadline It is an artificial intelligence powered grammar checking tool that analyses the readability of your content to help you write better. It supports American, British, and Canadian English.

Akismet

Akismet uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect spam comments.

Used by millions of website, Akismet has improved over the years to detect almost all spam submitted by bots. It can also detect spam comments manually submitted by actual human users by learning from its mistakes and recognising patterns across millions of websites.

Yo u c a n r e a d m o r e d e t a i l s a t w p b e g i n n e r . c o m / b e g i n n e r s - g u i d e / akismet-101-guide-for-all-wordpress-users/

Live Chat – 24/7

Live Chat 24-7 provides an AI-powered virtual chat agent for your website. If you cannot afford to add live chat support to your website, then this bot can perform basic tasks of pointing your users in the right direction.

WordLift

WordLift integrates its web based service to your WordPress website. It offers SEO tips to improve your content with the help of its knowledge graph.

It analyses your content to offer facts, figures, and media to match and build contextual relationships among your articles which results in better content recommendations. It builds a knowledge graph for your own website which becomes smarter as you add more content to your website.

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Quttera Web Malware Scanner

Quttera Web Malware Scanner allows you to scan your WordPress site for malware and malicious code. This is particularly useful if you suspect that your WordPress site is hacked or blacklisted from search engines.

The plugin uses AI to learn from false positives and improves scan results based on usage. While it is helpful in scanning an infected website, it doesn’t protect your website from getting affected.

Want to capitalise on the benefits AI could bring to your website? AMPM Marketing can help you enhance your business intelligence. Contact Terry Ottow on Ph: (09) 300 5131 Mob: 021 932 330 E: terry@ampm.co.nz www.ampm.co.nz

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

How new technology could revolutionise the way you recruit While technology has vastly changed the recruitment landscape, there is one thing that hasn’t changed – the human factor. Those initial conversations on the phone, the faceto-face interviews, and the relationship you build with a candidate during the recruitment and negotiation processes are where you get a feel for attitude, motivation and culture fit – and it’s hard to imagine technology could ever change that.

Nevertheless, as technology evolves, there are tools that recruiters and hiring managers could be embracing – or at least investigating – that would enhance your recruitment processes.

is not new, but could be used more by businesses. At Eclipse, we prefer to meet in person if possible, to more easily assess body language and build relationships. When a candidate is living overseas or outside of Auckland, or where we need to save time and interview lots of people, meeting via a programme like Skype is a good solution.

Going further into the future, there is now software where recorded interviews can be analysed for facial expressions, word choices and speech patterns, to predict how well a

some roles over others – you’ll find many profiles for sales people, but very few for people working in trades.

candidate will fit the role. While this seems futuristic and perhaps unnecessary, in the future we may be using this data just like we currently use test results, reference checks and interview evaluations.

recruitment, and no amount of technology will replace the human factor required to make good recruitment decisions.

LinkedIn

The team at Eclipse is passionate about helping you achieve business success through your people. We work alongside you to find and develop people who fit your role, industry and culture. Contact Lisa Hill, managing director of Eclipse Recruitment for your recruitment support. lisa@eclipserecruitment.co.nz www.eclipserecruitment.co.nz

Using technology with the personal touch

This is just a taste of how technology could enhance your recruitment process. Saving time, reducing bias and increasing selection success are just some of the benefits.

However, it’s important to remember that engaging with people is still at the heart of

Process automation

Process automation promises to dramatically improve what we do in recruitment. By identifying areas of the process that can be automated, recruiters and managers can spend more time where they’re needed most – talking to and interviewing candidates.

For example, with technology that helps screen applications, recruiters can save hours by not having to wade through stacks of irrelevant CVs. While basic CV screeners are rudimentary, searching CVs for keywords, the future of CV screening software promises so much more. Some software leverages public data sources, learns what successful, current employees look like, and uses this information to assess new applications, to deliver more qualified shortlists.

This new CV screening technology can be especially useful when dealing with high volumes of applicants, where there is high staff turnover, or when the ideal candidate may not necessarily have a specific skill or qualification. Having automated screening also helps to reduce bias, which helps companies deliver on any diversity goals.

We can also use ‘on-demand interviews’, where candidates record themselves answering questions. These recordings can then be used to create candidate shortlists.

This gives candidates more flexibility than a face-to-face interview, while still offering more information than a CV. In our opinion, we must be cautious to not over-automate the screening process – particularly since recruiters are often looking for potential, not just previous experience. For example, for junior roles we could be looking for sporting or academic achievements, community work or how well the CV is written.

Also, we need to keep in mind that people may not shine when speaking to a computer screen!

Interviews anywhere, anytime

The ability to interview over the internet

LinkedIn can be used to advertise jobs, to contact members directly and to search for candidates – amongst other purposes. It’s a powerful tool and changes regularly, so we need to keep up with the functionality.

Another challenge recruiters face when using LinkedIn to search for candidates is around finding, assessing and making meaningful contact with the right people, from among the millions of members. While the technology is designed to help you, at the end of the day it still requires your time, skill and persistence. Remember too, that LinkedIn is better suited to recruiting for

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Solution Dynamics introduces you to Scantech Struggling with paper mountains or paper bottle necks?

Moving offices and don’t have the space to take hardcopies?

Do you lose invoices through paper-based authorisation systems?

Are you regularly missing supplier discounts due to late payment?

If you have these or similar problems, Scantech has the solution. Scantech can provide a fully-automated, outsourced, solution to streamline your processes and transform the way you communicate with your customers. From customer acquisition to retention or billing communications, our innovative mailhouse and technology solutions are used to communicate with over 40 million users around the world.

Scanning

Scantech takes your mountain of paperbased information and provides it back electronically, thus streamlining business processing. This allows your business to save time, money, storage space and effort – which could add real value to your organisation’s operations.

Benefits: • Increases speed and efficiency • More time for staff to focus on core business and enjoyable work • No more storage and retrieval costs • Stationery costs reduced • Securing vital information from disaster • Document retrieval time down to seconds • All documents scanned in duplex dual stream colour with no additional cost.

Accounts Receivables

Scantech will scan, capture all data, and bank all hardcopy payments such as cheques and remittances. Digital transaction data received via e-mail will be converted into a standard format and reconciled according to your business rules.

All payments are shown in our system, 24

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this means your business can access all information in one place. Payments are processed, and the system provides one output type for upload into your finance system as a complete transaction. We can also create a special workflow for exception handling.

Benefits: • Daily Service Level Agreements • Remote nationwide access to our system with no software to install • We’ll monitor and improve your processes, including accuracy, without any costs to your business • Staff performance measurements included • Prevention of remittances losses and duplication of receipts • Accounts receivable status is updated instantly • Expedited responses to queries from customers • Guaranteed results without technology or implementation risk • Transparency of accounts receivable • Customised management reporting that highlights the full status of your accounts receivable processing

Accounts Payable

Scantech will receive, sort and batch all incoming mail according to your business rules - including electronic versions such as e-mail and text. We can scan (dual black and white (bi-tonal) and colour), capture (extract the data) then process information into a workflow (Flow Multi-node) in collaboration with your business rules. The system then archives and stores all documents

electronically with full audit history for compliance and retrieval.

Benefits: • A u t o m a t e d a p p r o v a l p r o c e s s w i t h three-way matches • Process improvement without capital expenditure • Improved accuracy in processing • Reduced processing times • Prevention of invoice loss and duplicate payments • Accounts payable and receivable status udpated instantaneously • Expedited responses to queries from suppliers or customers • Guaranteed results without technology or implementation risk • Reporting that highlights invoices with prompt payment discounts or agreed discounts or VIP clients.

• Manually processing thousands of supplier invoices or payments on a monthly basis • Manually keying into your ERP system

To learn more about how Scantech could help your business, please get in touch with Amanda McCullough Email: amandam@scantech.co.nz Mobile: 021 222 7135

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Giltrap North Shore Giltrap North Shore represents two major brands in the automotive industry: Holden and Kia Business development manager, Alan Yates, has returned to the Shore after four years in Newmarket. He was originally with Giltrap Motors for more than a decade. Alan has lived on the Shore for 46 years and has many connections especially in sport. Giltrap North Shore has 2017’s top two Holden Sales Achievers: Sandy Wynands, who was the overall winner and Chris Bradley,

who came second. Additionally, Peter Loft, our very own fleet sales consultant brings a wealth of knowledge to the fleet team. The Kia Sportage is the Shore’s “Number One Vehicle” and Giltrap North Shore have a great Kia sales team waiting to help you. When your vehicle needs servicing, come and see us! Our service team is committed to making your experience smooth and stress-free.

Alan Yates 021 465 545 | 09 444 8114 150 Wairau Road, Glenfield www.giltrapnorthshore.co.nz

DRIVE THE NEW 2019

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ONE DAY SALE

SHOPPERS YOU READ The biggest shopping bonanza Auckland is happening again

24 November, 2018 The Shopper’s Guide will be YOUR ‘bible’ on the day. On our website we have a list of ALL participating businesses – be sure to visit the webpage regularly as we are adding new listings every day!

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The SIXTH One Day Sale shopping extravaganza is happening again in November.

Do not miss out – otherwise you will have to wait another 12 months. So if you are a wholesaler or retail with surplus stock, make the most of shoppers – in their tens of thousands seeking a bargain that day.

And there’s no need to worry about the crowds. With over 60 outlets involved, there is room for everyone.

COMPETITION TIME! We are giving away 4 x $50 vouchers you can use at participating businesses on 24 November. Entry is easy: • • • •

Make sure to click ‘GOING’ on our Facebook Event Page Share the Event with your friends Tag us on the shared post us Complete ALL 3 steps and get 3 x entries to win!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

businessnh.org.nz/onedaysale2018 NOV E MBER 2 0 1 8 F YI B U S INES S NH. ORG. NZ

S ARE DY?? a in this year!

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ADVOCACY

As previewed in our August issue, we’re beginning a series of articles from external industry experts looking at the critical issues (such as infrastructure, transport and employment) that affect all of us working in the North Harbour area. We hope that these specialist insights will be thought-provoking and provide clarity on important matters. Business North Harbour’s relationships and collaboration with these external parties will add value to the representations that we make on behalf of our members.

This time, we hear from Kim Campbell, CEO of the Employers and Manufacturers Association.

Productivity lifts wages, not strikes There’s been a significant increase in strike action during the past year, the like of which we have not seen in recent times. While it may be passed off as the public sector seeking to rectify low wage increases of the past nine years or so, what is missing from most of the media coverage and commentary is where productivity sits in this equation?

Strikes are costly for both workers and businesses, and an action of last resort.

A negotiated settlement is far preferable to strike action. And strikes do nothing to increase productivity.

The Productivity Commission released an excellent paper earlier this year on why lifting New Zealand’s productivity has been difficult, and the challenges this presents. It points to the fact that the hours worked per capita in New Zealand are amongst the highest in the OECD, but the value produced from the New Zealand labour force is amongst the lowest.

Basically, our wages are lower than other OECD countries because our productivity is lower.

The takeout from the Commission’s work is that in the long term, wages can only rise when productivity rises. From a public policy perspective, it would seem that this is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed by any Government before it seeks to address our industrial relations landscape.

The country needs a legislative framework

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that promotes productive employment relationships. Which is why we are puzzled by the haste undertaken by the Government to push new employment legislation through, without having first looked at the policy framework it seeks to deliver to. You may have seen our “Fix the Bill” campaign earlier in the year which called on Government to explain how the proposed changes will help New Zealand grow.

Many of the proposed changes in the Employment Relations Amendment Bill will

A negotiated settlement is far preferable to strike action. And strikes do nothing to increase productivity. result in bringing more compulsion into a workplace, such as forcing businesses to settle a collective agreement even if the parties are unable to agree. While we wait to see how the legislation progresses through the House, we do not want to see a return to a “them v us” mentality for industrial relations. Nor a time of low economic growth, high unemployment and

rising inflation. Long gone are the days of a closed economy.

Today, we operate in a very different world. Your customers have choice. They can purchase their goods or services from you, or they can look around the globe. New Zealand’s economic fundamentals are sound and we have had one of the highest growth rates in the OECD and amongst the lowest unemployment rates in the world. Therefore, it is disturbing to hear recent reports of poor productivity, slumping business confidence and forced wage increases potentially driving inflation up.

The EMA believes the series of recent business-related commentary on these economic indicators adds to our call for the re-think on the Employment Relations Bill and other industrial relations legislation in the pipeline.

Each of the proposed changes is a focus for business, and some of these are wholeheartedly welcomed, such as the review of the Holidays Act. Yet, when combined, they represent a significant rewrite of the employment relations landscape which has served New Zealand well in the past decade. It was the platform for our economic performance, which despite having to overcome unforeseen events such as earthquakes and the Global Financial Crisis, still managed to deliver sound results.

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COMMUNITY

Pawesome pals: Hearing Dogs NZ

BELINDA BULLOCK.

One in 10 New Zealanders are either deaf or hearing-impaired.

Deafness is often described as “an invisible disability”, and it can leave people of all ages feeling isolated and anxious.

The Hearing Dogs NZ charitable trust (which has its management office in Bush Road) was established in 1998, with the purpose of enhancing the confidence, independence and well-being of deaf and hearing-impaired New Zealanders through the provision of “very special dogs”. As the trust’s CEO, Nicole Segar, says, “There are many mechanical devices available today to assist the deaf, however a Hearing Dog provides loyal companionship, support and vital friendship that no device can offer.”

There are currently 82 active Hearing Dogs around NZ, with another eight in training and 10 puppies being socialised. There are 24 people on the trust’s waiting list, and this is steadily growing.

Hearing Dogs are trained to international standards. Puppies are selected from breeders and live with the charity’s volunteers from eight weeks to eight months for their basic socialisation skills, and then undergo an assessment. If all goes well, the serious training begins, and this can last between 16-20 weeks. The team then work closely with recipients to ensure a suitable match and smooth transition.

The total cost to train and place a Hearing Dog is approximately $30,000. However, the value of a Hearing Dog is arguably priceless.

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Richard is a war veteran. He was a weapons specialist and diver in the Royal New Zealand Navy, serving in Malaya and Borneo. When he left the navy, he worked in construction and civil engineering. Both of these careers took their toll – he lost 80% of his hearing.

Quite by chance, he saw a Hearing Dogs brochure in his audiologist’s office and

The total cost to train and place a Hearing Dog is approximately $30,000.

However, the value of a Hearing Dog is arguably priceless. immediately recognised what an amazing opportunity this could be.

Richard carries some psychological scars from his service days, so the thought of a four-legged pal who could also be his companion and comfort almost seemed too good to be true. “I filled in the application forms, and the Hearing Dogs team were right

Richard with Jett, his Hearing Dog – and much-loved friend.

on the ball and bent over backwards. They were so obliging, even arranging a one-week stay at their training centre so that I could start bonding with my dog.”

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Richard met Jett in August 2014 – and the two of them have been inseparable ever since! “She is my ‘everything’,” he smiles.

“I can go out with confidence knowing she’s at my side, which makes socialising much easier. She helps me to feel secure at home too, alerting me to the phone, doorbell or smoke detector. Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

For more information about Hearing Dogs NZ, please visit hearingdogs.org.nz To donate to Hearing Dogs NZ, please visit www.hearingdogs.simplicitycrm.com/ Donation/

ASIAN BUSINESS MATTERS

Doing business in China Useful tips from a legal perspective (part 2)

打开中国市场的钥 匙- 您需要知道的 法律信息

In the last issue, we covered the legal checklist that New Zealand business owners need to think about before entering the Chinese market. At the time, we talked about conducting due diligence while doing business in China.

Doing due diligence is one of the best ways to manage risks. Due diligence means investigating potential aspects of a business, such as its partners and assets. How much due diligence is done depends on a particular situation. New Zealand business owners have to balance the costs and time, along with how much co-operation they receive from the other side, against the potential risks of the transaction.

Due diligence – do your homework

Don’t assume the business jurisdiction and environment are similar between NZ and China. You must do your homework. This varies depending on your strategy, but it should at least include the following: • Clearly defining your target market Care must be taken when you identify which market you want to tap into. China is made up of a diverse culture, and the market characteristics can vary from region to region, including language, geography, and local government requirements.

• Finding the right business partners in China This is absolutely the key. Relationships play an extremely important role and require significant effort to establish, maintain and grow. Maintaining that relationship is more important than any other factor.

• Relationship management Those who have done business in China would probably say that relationship management is pivotal. You need to understand the business etiquette and pay attention to protocols and traditions, and accept contradictions. A business relationship in China requires ongoing maintenance, and it is important to keep pushing to build a solid connection with senior management. Most importantly, make sure that your translator can deliver any communication properly, taking into account Chinese beliefs, social and professional status, as this could cause misunderstanding or conflict.

Liability can come out of the woodwork in China. Consult with professionals experienced in New Zealand and China in the various due diligence areas to understand your risks before making any decisions. With this in mind, you will also need a lawyer with good cross-border experience to assist you.

For more information contact Jack Gu Ph: (09) 486 2169 or e-mail jack.gu@turnerhopkins.co.nz

在第一篇文章中，我们介绍了新 西兰企业主在进入中国市场之前 需要考虑的法律检查清单。在这 篇文章里，我们要谈到在中国开 展业务时所要进行的尽职调查。 尽职调查是管理风险的最佳方式 之一。尽职调查意味着调查业务 的各个层次和方面，例如合作伙 伴， 企业资产等等。尽职调查取 决于每个个案的具体情况。新西 兰企业主需要平衡成本和时间， 以及另一方（中国企业）配合和 合作，以防止交易的潜在风险。 尽职尽责 - 做好功课

新西兰和中国的在商业管辖权和环境是有 很多不同的地方。您在这方面必须做好功 课。这一方面取决于您的策略，同时应该 包括以下内容：

• 您的目标市场 - 明确定义目标市场

当您确定要进入哪个市场时，必须小心谨慎。 中国的市场是多元文化的，市场特征因地区 而异，包括语言，地理和地方政府的要求。

• 您在中国的业务合作伙伴 - 寻找合 适的合作伙伴

找到合适的合作伙伴绝对是关键。关系也发挥 着极其重要的作用，您需要付出巨大的努力 和时间才能建立，维持和发展和合作伙伴的关 系。保持这种关系比任何其他因素都重要。

•关系管理

那些在中国做生意的人可能会说关系管理是 开展业务的核心。人们需要了解商务礼仪， 协议和文化传统。中国的业务关系需要持续 的维护，并且不断推动与高级管理层建立稳 固的业务关系。最重要的是，确保各方面的 信息能够正确地进行任何沟通，同时考虑到 中国人的信仰，社会和职业地位，因为这可 能会导致误解或冲突。 在做出任何决定之前，请您咨询在新西兰和 中国从事各种尽职调查领域的专业人士，以 了解您的风险。考虑到这一点，您还需要一 位具有良好跨境经验的律师来帮助您。

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PROPERTY MATTERS

A tenant’s guide to leasing premises In today’s commercial property market on the North Shore, businesses would have noticed that there are fewer premises available compared to a few years ago. Office vacancy as at Q1 on the North Shore was at 5.4% and industrial at 1.9%; we expect that this has dropped further due to the demand particularly in the second half of 2018.

When looking for premises, request information on the annual rental (plus GST), per square metre rate and how many carparks are allocated. As a tenant, further consider whether profile and easy access to main arterials are a priority, and ensure that your business use complies with the premises. Consider the lease term required and rights of renewals, and if any consents are required, allow for these in the lease agreement and eventual commencement date.

Lease discussions may include the “face rent” or the “effective rent”. The face rent is the quoted rental rate before taking into account any incentives or increases. The effective rent is the rental rate averaged out over the term of lease, including incentives such as rent holiday or landlord’s contribution. Keep in mind that future rent reviews will likely see an increase in the face rent whether to market or CPI depending on negotiations.

Most commercial leases require the tenant to pay operating expenses (opex) or outgoings

in addition to the rent. The outgoings include expenses such as body corporate levies, council rates, building insurance, service contract charges for air-conditioning and lifts etc, and cleaning of the common areas/shared facilities.

Currently leases are commonly net leases where rent is calculated excluding the outgoings.

A gross lease is the rent calculated inclusive of the outgoings, and may include power and other utilities depending on the negotiations.

The majority of landlords use the Auckland District Law Society (ADLS) deed of lease, now in its sixth edition, released in November 2012. The agreement to lease is the initial agreement (Fifth Edition 2012 (4)) which sets out the broad commercial terms of the lease.

The deed of lease is drawn up by the landlord’s lawyer after the standard agreement to lease is unconditional. It is not essential to sign a deed of lease, however it does ensure that there is no misunderstanding nor ambiguity between parties, and covers off more detail on what each party’s obligations are.

Most leases require a tenant at the end of the lease to “make good” or reinstate the premises to their original condition prior to the lease commencement. We strongly recommend that a premises condition report is attached to the lease before the lease commences. This report

should contain a thorough description and photos of the premise’s condition. A detailed report will prevent any argument as to how the premises needs to be reinstated before the lease ends. An inspection by both parties is carried out prior to the commencement date and both parties sign on what has been agreed upon.

Any rent reviews should be recorded by a deed of rent review and any changes and amendments to lease terms recorded by way of a deed of variation of the lease.

The lease agreement is a contractually binding document and we highly recommend that each party seek legal advice before signing.

During the term of your lease, keep in contact with your landlord. Don’t just call them when things go wrong! Your landlord wants a long term happy tenant and will likely want to know what is happening with the local infrastructure and any challenges you might face. A good tenant-landlord relationship will pay dividends in the long run.

Janet Marshall is Director and Manager Commercial, Colliers International North Shore.

Call 021 684 775 or email janet.marshall@colliers.com

The Maat Group offer commercial property investment opportunities and a personal insurance brokering service.

We strive to achieve our goals every day, which includes helping our insurance clients achieve financial security. This can be realised through our commitment to knowing our product and knowing our clients, built on personal relationships and trust.

Maat Financial Services specialises in: Personal Risk Insurance

What our clients say: I was apprehensive when contacted about a meeting with a financial advisor however when Paul arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to meet an open, caring and knowledgeable person.

Paul went above and beyond in his dealing with my insurance. Follow up was timely, communication was consistent and the outcome was ten times better than expected.

Life Insurance Trauma Insurance Total and Permanent Disability Insurance Income Protection Medical Insurance

Contact: Paul Tuffin Registered Financial Adviser/Risk Adviser Phone: 021 0844 2524 or 09 869 2568 Email: ptuffin@maat.co.nz Visit: www.maatfs.co.nz

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PROPERTY MATTERS

North Shore Commercial Property Group, 30 October The Ins and Outs of the Unit Titles Act. Presenters: Steve Plummer, Scope Strata Management and Fiona Faithfull, McVeagh Fleming

The important role of bodies corporate A body corporate is the collective group of owners within a unit titled property.

A body corporate is not the appointed administrator of the property. While there is no legal requirement to appoint a professional management company, a good administrator can ensure compliance with legal requirements and take some of the risk of personal conflict out of the more challenging aspect of a property, including debt recovery and addressing breaches of the property rules. Professional managers should also be able to readily provide detailed on-demand financial reporting to assist in proper decision making.

Each unit titled property is a separate legal entity much like a company. A body corporate can sue and be sued, as can office holders such as committee members and the body corporate chairperson. It is important therefore that adequate liability cover including general, statutory and officer bearer cover is held. A body corporate has an obligation under the Unit Titles Act 2010,

in addition to other legislation. This includes being considered a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) in relation to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

This obligation requires common areas to be safe and to ensure contractors undertake their work safely. The body corporate also has obligations under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, which requires asbestos to be identified and addressed where it is found. A good administrator should be knowledgeable on these matters and able to assist the body corporate in legal compliance.

Often in commercial property, tenants have leases requiring payment of the annual levy, which covers yearly operational costs such as insurance, gardening and common utilities.

Frequently this funding includes an allowance for unbudgeted expenses such as repairs and maintenance. Under current legislation there is a requirement for a body corporate to keep an up-to-date long term maintenance plan – although there is no requirement to

fund that plan. The ultimate obligation on paying levies rests with the unit owner under the Unit Titles Act 2010.

The Unit Titles Act 2010 is currently under review and some significant changes are expected to be made. A focus of the current review includes possible funding requirements of long term maintenance plans, more comprehensive disclosure requirements on the sale of a unit, greater accountability of professional administrators, and the current dispute resolution process.

You can read submissions (including Scope Strata Management’s) through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) website.

If you are interested in more information on the above matters, or body corporate information in general, please review other articles at scopestrata.co.nz/blog

Scope Strata Management is a leader in body corporate management

At Scope Strata, we manage a range of commercial and residential bodies corporate across throughout Auckland including the North Shore. We are regularly working with clients in your area.

Our focus is on active client engagement and providing a proactive and responsive customer service. Our values include integrity, transparency and accountability in all that we do.

If you are looking for a company who is approachable, reliable and does what they say they will do, when they say they will please contact us. Changing companies may be easier than you think!

EX C E L L E N C E I N B O DY COR POR ATE M ANAGEM ENT For all enquires please contact Steve Plummer: 09 320 5215 | 0276722777, or steve.plummer@scopestrata.co.nz Scope Strata are Associate Members of Business North Harbour

scopestrata.co.nz

PROPERTY MATTERS

The wide-ranging value of a commercial property management company A competent and efficient commercial property manager may add significant value to a landlord’s investment. Many experienced property investors will tell you that good management is invaluable; so let’s examine why: Higher quality tenants

Quality tenants are the key to a successful investment. The agreement to lease needs to be signed only after an in depth due diligence period to check the financial standing and reliability of the prospective tenants who will most likely: • Pay their rent and operating expenses on time • Require a longer lease term • Place less wear and tear on the property; and • Cause less other issues An experienced commercial property management company will be able to professionally deal with potential tenants, understand that prospect’s business, as well as having the ability to assess not only their current property needs but also their future.

Fewer costly and timeconsuming legal problems

A pro-active commercial property manager will maintain vigilance to be aware of: • Unpaid rent • Property damage • Bad lease preparation • Early terminating leases The diligence of the property manager is the key. Employ the right company for the right reasons for the right outcomes.

Debt collection process

A property manager acts on behalf of the landlord. It is the responsibility of the commercial property manager to initiate the recovery process for unpaid charges by the tenant. In extreme cases, legal assistance may be required.

Lower maintenance and repair costs

Natalie Bell

Well maintained properties result in the elimination of one of the main reasons why tenants wish to change tenancies.

Maintaining a quality property will preserve the value of the landlord’s investment. A reputable commercial property management company will make available their own in-house maintenance staff, as well as their network of licensed, bonded and insured contractors who have already been vetted for good pricing and quality work.

This can translate into significant savings and satisfaction for the landlord. The management company can receive volume discounts on maintenance work and they can employ contractors who they can rely on for their trade skills and their assessment of maintenance issues.

Increase the value of the investment

The enhancing of the value of a property for an investor should be the primary goal of any capable commercial property manager.

A focus on providing a high level of personal service, professionalism and integrity is required to form a strong, interactive relationship with landlords.

To discuss your commercial property management requirements, you are most welcome to contact Natalie Bell either at the Maat office on 09 414 6078 or on mob.

021 195 9937 or e-mail nbell@maat.co.nz

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Ramada Suites Albany The Ramada Suites hotel has now been part of the North Shore community since April 2017.

Part of the Wyndham Hotel Group, the Ramada name is well-known and respected worldwide, and the Ramada Suites Albany has a growing reputation for offering exceptional customer service as recognised through many awards. Ideal for both corporate and leisure guests, we offer competitive rates to suit local businesses.

All 65 rooms feature cooking and laundry facilities. The studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are ideal for a one-night stay to a few weeks.

Being situated just across the road from the Albany Bus Station’s Park n’ Ride gives guests and visitors easy access to the public transport network including an easy commute to the city by bus. The complex is walking distance from Westfield Albany, close to Massey University, and handily situated for the many wedding venues on and around the North Shore.

Nearby are the QBE North Harbour Stadium and AUT Millennium, as well as the local swimming, tennis and soon-to-open international BMX complex. We have had the privilege of hosting many sports groups and teams including international netball, baseball, football, badminton and swimming teams, and we so enjoy having them stay here.

Interestingly, when a major sporting event or concert is announced in Auckland, guests book at stay here as they can easily catch a bus from across the road, saving themselves the cost and stress of finding parking in the city. Often the cost of the bus is included in their event ticket.

The on-site Coffee Club and newly-opened restaurant and bar, Claw Mountain, both

within the building, mean that visitors have access to food and beverages throughout the day from breakfast to dinner, with chargeback options for our hotel guests.

Functions and boardroom style meetings can also be arranged. And of course, we have plenty of free parking and Wi-Fi. In other words, there are plenty of reasons why the Ramada Suites Albany should always be your first choice!

We sincerely thank our current customers for their loyal support, and look forward to assisting you and your business very soon.

Note that the on-site Claw Mountain restaurant is now open for Christmas functions. Why not combine your Christmas function with a night in the hotel – no need to worry about drink-driving!

To discuss how we might assist you, please contact our General Manager, Jacqui Cheal.

Ph: (09) 974 4568 E: albany.gm@ramada.nz

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GOLD SPONSORS

North Shore Hidden Gem If I had $10 for every time someone came to North Shore Golf Club and said to me, “This is beautiful – and I had no idea it was here!” I would be a wealthy man. However, unless people have a reason to travel down Appleby Road, our 180 acre site is a hidden gem in the centre of a very busy, growing community.

A feature of the club is the 27 championship quality golf holes located in a beautiful bush setting, offering members and visitors the option of three different 18 hole layouts: Red, Blue and Golf. Our new Grant Puddicombe designed 3rd hole opened for play in April 2017 and is already earning rave reviews.

Each course covers undulating terrain and demands good course management from players of all levels. Even when the putts refuse to drop, you can still enjoy the calming effects of our delightful rural views, with the natural backdrop of the Lucas Creek escarpment.

Ambitious players looking to lower their handicap are well provided for, with a personalised custom fitting service offered on-site by and a team of talented teaching professionals on hand to help and support.

Lessons focusing on all areas of the game are offered in the dedicated indoor studio.

This is all backed up by some of the best practice facilities to be found in the area.

The club has a modern, spacious clubhouse which provides a home-from-home to members. It also makes a magnificent venue for special occasions such as anniversary or birthday celebrations. The business community is equally well-received,

either to make use of our venue for that important meeting or to host a successful corporate golf day.

At North Shore Golf Club, we pride ourselves in providing a unique and memorable experience for each and every visitor. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Rowland Griffiths General Manager Ph: (09) 415 9924 E: rowland@nsgc.co.nz www.northshoregolfclub.co.nz

CLUB

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Marketing Campaign Management Integrated digital asset and workflow management, for controlled personalisation of marketing materials from any web browser.

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Production & Delivery Efficiency Mailhouse and technology services to efficiently produce and deliver your marketing and billing communications across any channel.

Solution Dynamics CEO Nelson Siva 38

NOV E MBER 2 0 1 8 F YI B U S INES S NH. ORG. NZ

Efficient Document Management Archive/retrieve up to 10,000 documents per minute with a self-service portal for

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Call Lesley Cuttle today for more information on Mobile: 021 815 560 or Email: lesleycu@solutiondynamics.com.

Visit 18-24 Canaveral Drive, Albany, Auckland 0632 www.solutiondynamics.com

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Albany Westfield Smales Farm

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