FYI November 2022

Crime Prevention

We support our members by managing the contracted nightly security patrols of our Business Improvement District area, 365 days of the year. We conduct safety, security, and communications briefings with the North Shore Police.

Advocacy

We provide an advocacy voice to local and central government for our members’ concerns on local, regional, and national issues, and provide access to key stakeholders and decision makers who may affect your investment.

Traffic, Transport & Roading

We work with all council-controlled agencies to develop initiatives that address access and environmental concerns, including congestion reduction. We also provide information on alternative modes of transport.

Sustainability

We provide the resources and operational support to encourage business sustainability by enabling members to access food waste and inorganic waste collections along with pallet and cardboard box swaps.

Events

Our events programme provides members with an extensive range of networking, mentoring, wellbeing, training, and educational opportunities.

Member Communications

Members are kept informed of relevant news, updates and events and are provided with useful business support resources and information.

Business Directory

Our online Business Directory provides free listings for businesses operating within our Business Improvement District and allows businesses to update and manage their listing information online.

Other Services

Members can take advantage of more benefits and activities, such as our Showcase North Harbour business expo, One Day Sale, candidate employment and internship opportunities along with complimentary member hireage of the Business North Harbour training room.

Business North Harbour provides a voice for your concerns, networking opportunities for your business development, and access to key stakeholders and decision makers who may affect your investment.

Business North Harbour General Manager Kevin O’Leary kevin@businessnh.org.nz

Advertising Bernadette Roberts comms@businessnh.org.nz

Editor Lizzie Brandon lizzie@writesphere.co.nz

Design Lewis Hurst lewis@hurstmedia.nz

Printer PrintLounge printlounge.co.nz

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publishers. The publishers do not endorse any person, company or organisation that advertises in this publication.

Business North Harbour, Unit 2, Level 1, 322 Rosedale Road, Rosedale, 0632. PO Box 303 126, North Harbour 0751 OFFICE 09 968 2222 WEB businessnh.org.nz

THE OPENING OF our borders and the removal of most pandemic-related restric tions have been a welcome relief for most members as we enjoy greater freedoms heading towards what we all hope will be a wonderful summer. However, whilst signal ling a return towards some form of pre-pan demic normality, these positive changes are somewhat stifled by the ongoing struggles still being faced by many local businesses.

Some members continue to grapple with a severe shortage of people willing and able to fill vacancies. Along with the inability of the supply chain to keep up with the demand for goods, these staff shortages have resulted in businesses across many sectors being unable to operate at economically effec tive levels. The harsh and exasperating reality for these organisations is that there is demand they can’t fulfil or benefit from, through no fault of their own.

To a large extent, the issues I’ve high lighted remain out of our control, which makes the situation even more frustrating. Ongoing financial prudence will be required to give many businesses their best chance of survival, as budgets continue to be squeezed ever tighter.

In positive news, our in-person events have been welcomed by members, with our Business Luncheon, North Shore Prop erty Group, North Harbour Asian Business Group, and Women In Business events all

attracting excellent numbers. Attendees enjoyed the keynote speakers and the opportunity to network, make new contacts, and start new relationships.

In this issue of FYI, we look at some key topics to help businesses transition from surviving to thriving in the digital age and offer some advice on how to prepare your business for an unexpected natural disaster/ emergency.

Our Community page features KiwiHar vest, whose teams collect good food before it goes to waste and deliver it to those in need. They reduce the negative impacts of food waste on our environment, helping to create lasting positive social change by nourishing more vulnerable members of the community. Not only is this an excel lent initiative, but in the current economic climate, it is even more necessary than ever before.

I wish you all well, and the team at BNH and I look forward to engaging with you and your staff as you enjoy the benefits of our many programmes and services.

Kia kaha

Kevin O’Leary General Manager, Business North Harbour

Silver Sponsors

‘The Father of Drone Fishing’ is right here in North Harbour

OVER THE PAST few years, using waterproof drones for fishing has become increasingly popular – and local business owner Milton Frear almost certainly deserves some of the credit for this!

The payload release mechanism for SwellPro’s earliest SplashDrone was built initially for search and rescue purposes. It was Milton, the director of JC Matthew in Rosedale and SwellPro’s New Zealand distributor, who suggested in 2014 that it could be used to drop

baits over the surf. This innovation earned Milton the title “father of drone fishing” from his SwellPro partners in China.

“I have been an avid fisherman for many years and also understand the great benefits that drones can bring to our society in many different ways,” Milton explains. “In this case, I saw the amazing potential that drone fishing could bring to everyday Kiwis right around New Zealand to catch a feed of fish at their local beach.”

what3words app makes hard places easier to find

ANYONE WHO HAS been confused by direc tions to a meet-up or spent hours wandering around a car park trying to locate their vehicle might be grateful for what3words. The app’s developers divided the world into threemetre squares and assigned a unique combi nation of three words to each one. The words are randomly generated – there’s no secret meaning! – and always remain the same.

As well as being a handy way of providing precise instructions for couriers or emer gency services, the app has business poten tial too. For example, saving time (and stress) by knowing exactly which board room to go to in a shared space like BNZ Partners on Corinthian Drive.

For more information, go to what3words.com/business or download what3words free from the App Store or Google Play.

Rules for GST tax invoices are changing

RECORD KEEPING FOR GST is being modernised with the aim of making it easier. Some rule changes were intro duced on 30 March 2022, but most will come into effect on 1 April 2023.

The new rules set out the minimum records required to support the figures in your GST returns. How you calculate GST is not changing.

You’ll no longer need to keep a single physical document holding the supply information, such as a tax invoice, credit note, or debit note. Your transac tion records, accounting systems and contractual documents may, in combi nation, contain all the information you need to support the figures in your GST returns.

Full details, including an online tool to help assess the information your business needs to supply or keep, can be found at ird.govt.nz/ pages/rules-for-tax-invoices-arechanging-on-1-april-2023

Top dogs! Tāmaki Makaurau’s most popular pooch names and breeds

AUCKLAND COUNCIL’S ANIMAL Management Annual Report 2021/22 has revealed that Bella and Charlie are once again the most popular dog names registered in Auckland – as they have been since reporting on these facts began! Max and Molly are in second place, followed by Buddy and Poppy.

Elly Waitoa, Auckland Council’s manager of Animal Management, says that Tāmaki Makaurau is a city of dog lovers, with “fur kids” being inte gral to many households across the region. “Aucklanders love their dogs. Each year, we’re always delighted to see what the most popular dog names and breeds are; and finding out what the region’s rarest breeds are, some of which you might never have heard of!”

As for the most popular dog breeds, the Labrador retriever claimed the top spot with a total of 15,114 registrations, the Staffordshire bull terrier came second, with the Border collie a close third.

At the other end of the scale, the report lists 13 rare and unusual canine breeds, with just one of each residing in Auckland. These include the Bergamasco shepherd, Bolognese, Glen of Imaal terrier, and Icelandic sheepdog.

Remember, a dog doesn’t have to be a pedigree to be a loyal, loving companion. Shelters and charities like the SPCA, Saving Hope, and Chained Dog Rehabilitation & Rehoming NZ always have lost, abandoned, and rescued animals waiting to be your next beloved family member.

The stories behind our street names: Don McKinnon Drive

SIR DONALD CHARLES McKinnon

ONZM GCVO PC was born in southeast London on 27 February 1939. His long and distinguished political career began in 1978 when he was elected as the National MP for Albany. Twelve years later, he was sworn in as deputy prime minister. He served as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade from 1990 to 1999, the longest period any one person has held this position.

His work brokering a ceasefire between Bougainvilleans and the Papua New Guinea Government was recognised through a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Sir Don also served two terms as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth (2000-2007). During this time, he is credited with several notable achievements, including modernising the organisational structure of the Secretariat, promoting youth programmes, especially regarding HIV/ AIDS, and ensuring that the interests of developing countries were recognised in international trade talks.

Sir Don is the current chair of the Global Panel Foundation Australasia. In September, he was part of New Zealand’s delegation attending the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Bergamasco shepherd dog

and

Julie Chapman, our ‘Champion for Charity’

Upcoming Events

November

December

23 Business

Capability

Workshop: Crime Prevention Breakfast with NZ Police

Time: 7.15 am-8.15 am

Venue: Business North Harbour, Level 1, 322 Rosedale Road, Rosedale

1 Women in Business: Jenene Crossan, serial entrepreneur and social justice advocate

Time: 10.00 am-12.00 pm

Venue: North Shore Golf Club, 51 Appleby Road, Albany

Jenene is a prominent businesswoman who has founded some of Aotearoa’s most wellknown and loved digital brands, including nzgirl and Bloggers Club. She was also a founding director of the non-profit, multi-billion-dollar KiwiSaver fund Simplicity. Since returning from London in March 2020, and unfortu nately developing what will likely be known as “textbook” long Covid, she has become one of NZ’s most well-known support advocates for patients – lobbying government, pushing media, and co-ordinating resources. Jenene was the winner of the 2016 Most Inspiring Indi vidual at NZ Innovation Awards, a finalist for the Women of Influence Awards, Women of the Year, New Zealand Marketer of the Year, and the international Veuve Clicquot Award. Sponsored by:

3 One Day Sale

Time: 9.00 am-4.00 pm

(Individual retailers’ hours may vary)

Venue: Across the North Harbour Business Improvement District See the page opposite for more info!

8 After 5: Network and Nibbles

Time: 5.30 pm-7.30 pm

Venue: Business North Harbour, Level 1, 322 Rosedale Road, Rosedale

BNH “s final event of 2022 is a chance to mix and mingle with your neighbours. Reflect on the past 12 months, share a few war stories, celebrate the triumphs, and maybe even make an excellent new connection for 2023.

To find out more and register for any of these events, go to businessnh.org.nz/whats-on

Jenene Crossan

10 years of ONE DAY SALE

Auckland’s biggest shopping bonanza is back – and booming!

IN 2013, THE BNH team had a bril liant idea. What if, for one day of the year, North Harbour businesses could be united in being “on sale”? Creating what is arguably New Zealand’s largest outdoor shopping mall, One Day Sale was born!

More than 40 local businesses signed up that year, and several have continued to participate over the last decade. Admittedly, there have been a few bumps along the way. Remember last year – the event was held by the skin of its teeth, falling on Day 2 of the red traffic light setting. Needless to say, it went ahead with much success – not even Covid-19 could stop us!

As One Day Sale celebrates its 10th birthday, 2022 is set to be bigger and better than ever. To offer as many BNH members as possible the opportunity to promote themselves and their products, there are three categories this year:

• On-premises retail

• Pop-up markets

• Taste of North Harbour

Historically, the day attracts thousands of shoppers to the region, some from as far as Tauranga, so it’s the perfect chance for retailers, wholesalers, distrib utors, and manufacturers to

• Boost their brand exposure

• Showcase products and services

• Shift end-of-line stock

• Increase sales and improve cashflow from pre-Christmas sales

The pop-up markets, based at Albany Junior High School, mean busi nesses without sales premises can also take part.

Plus, Taste of North Harbour gives local hospitality businesses a way to attract new customers, launch a new menu, and advertise for Christmas bookings.

We can’t wait to see you on Saturday, 3 December! And be sure to check the website for news and photos from the day.

Please visit our website to register to take part in 2022. businessnh.org.nz/onedaysale/

Transport, roading and car parking projects loom large for 2022/23

Since my last update in September, Business North Harbour (BNH) has continued to take advantage of formal advocacy opportunities, predominantly transport-related. I also enjoyed a final catch-up and informal advocacy conversations with key members of the Upper Harbour Local Board (UHLB), Lisa Whyte and Margaret Miles, before they stepped away from local politics prior to the October local elections.

I WOULD LIKE to acknowledge the excellent symbiotic relationship that BNH has enjoyed with UHLB over recent years, which I hope will continue to be the case now that the new members of UHLB have been sworn-in.

BNH continues to recognise the ongoing battle to regain financial sustainability faced by many members, which is being exacerbated for many businesses by the well-publicised labour shortage. Consequently, I wrote to ministers Michael Wood and Stuart Nash and local MPs Erica Stanford and Vanushi Walters. My communications acknowledged the positive change in fully opening our borders but also highlighted that the measures being introduced simply weren’t making the difference required to help members access more people more quickly. I asked that more government staff be redeployed as they were previously – for example, to undertake contact tracing – to assist with immigration issues and speed up application processing across a range of visas, thereby helping to reduce the backlog to the benefit of all concerned.

In October, I attended and made a presentation on behalf of members at a hearing on PC 71 NPS-UD Removal Of Car Parking Minimums. Here, I reiterated to the panel the main points from our earlier written submission, outlining the lack of consideration for the effects on business of removing car parking requirements from all new developments. I asked for consideration to be given to

within the area. A significant positive result was achieved with the retention of on-road parking on a 280-metre stretch of Bush Road. This rethink came much to the delight (and relief) of those members who would otherwise have had to find alternative on-road parking, which is already at a premium. Sarah also continues to work closely with various key stakeholders to keep

A significant positive result was achieved with the retention of on-road parking on a 280-metre stretch of Bush Road.

the cumulative impact on business of this proposal when introduced alongside two other parking removal initiatives being finalised before their implementation, namely Auckland Transport’s (AT’s) Parking Strategy and Reshaping Streets Project.

I mentioned earlier that BNH has been busy with transport-related submissions, in which Sarah de Zwart has provided feedback to AT on various proposals

everyone informed of any projects being undertaken within the BID that are likely to cause disruption for members.

Finally, BNH has remained proactive via all our communications platforms in encouraging consumers to continue to buy local and utilise locally available goods and services.

Kevin O’Leary GM, Business North Harbour

•Promote your products and services.

•Pass on your experience and advice.

•Share your neighbours’ deals across your social media.

Refresh and maximise your online presence for 2023

AS YOU PLAN your marketing strategy for 2023, it’s important to check all your online profiles are complete and up-todate, including your listing on Business North Harbour’s business directory. This is a FREE resource for all BNH members and associate members, with the oppor tunity to share company information and photos as well as contact details.

If you’re not sure how to update your profile and showcase your busi ness, simply click on the link for a quick how-to video.

You could also join the Buy North Harbour Facebook group. Again, this is a free resource for members to promote their products and services or share news with other local businesses.

Delivering a tasty combo!

BNH AMBASSADORS LOVE getting out and about, meeting members, and intro ducing the organisation to local businesses that weren’t even aware of the many benefits available.

When Sandra Craze called into Golden Hive and learned about their range of honey, she was very excited, and her brain started ticking over! She was keen to help managing director Haider Al Hammadi forge new connections in the area – and when Sarah Bruce from Edible Blooms attended a BNH lunchtime workshop, it was an opportu nity too good to miss.

As a result of Sandra’s introduction, Sarah has chosen to include Golden Hive’s honey with nuts in Edible Blooms’ new NZ tui hamper range. “We thought this would fit in perfectly, as tuis love honey, and honey with nuts goes well with the blue cheese in the hamper.”

Haider says he is grateful to Sandra for her cooperation and support. “I appreciate that she visited our factory and told us more about Business North Harbour; the introductions she’s making for us with other local businesses are great.”

Driveline partners with Good Works Trust to support ‘an invisible need’ on the North Shore

The impact of the cost of living crisis is being felt across many sectors of society, with almost everyone having to tighten the purse strings to some extent. Families who were just managing to keep their heads above water are now struggling with how to make ends meet.

DRIVELINE HAD BEEN actively looking for a way to give back to the local commu nity and seeking a suitable charity to form a long-term partnership. Director Lance Manins says they were also keen to find an organisation with which the whole team could get involved.

And then, out of the blue, Driveline received a call from Sophie Grey from Good Works Trust. “She described what was happening locally with the unbeliev ably huge need for food bank resources on the North Shore,” explains Lance. “When we learned about the amazing

work that Sophie and her team are doing to support local vulnerable people, we knew that we had finally found the perfect fit for our organisation. It was, quite simply, a no-brainer.”

Good Works Trust foodbank delivers emergency food parcels across the North Shore to those in urgent need with no capacity to access food. For example, most local motels are currently offering some temporary accommodation, and there are “significant pockets” of emer gency accommodation across the region, including Albany.

“By partnering with front-line agen cies such as Hospice New Zealand, Oranga Tamariki, and Victim Support, we know that recipients are not only in legit

imate need of assistance, but are also accessing wrap-around professional support,” explains Sophie.

Many of Good Works Trust’s recipi ents are living in emergency or social housing with complex needs. “We provide three days of meal ingredients in line with the Kore Hiakai (Zero Hunger Collective) recommendations, including fresh produce, chilled and frozen foods, lunches, snacks and meats. We also provide toiletries and baby care items, and accommodate special dietary or life style requirements such as gluten free, and non-cooking or non-perishable (suit able for those with no address).”

Driveline is assisting with the supply side of the operation by providing the free use of a new delivery vehicle and covering all the operating costs, including insurance, fuel and maintenance.

Lance reflects, “I don’t think it’s widely known that food bank resources are supplied to anyone who needs an emergency food parcel and who has no capacity to access food. The scary thing is, in today’s economic climate, that person could be any one of us at any time!

“We love what the Good Works Trust is achieving, and the team here at Driveline couldn’t be prouder to be supporting the essential and life-changing work they are doing in our community.”

Driveline directors Paul Tobin and Lance Manins handing over the keys to Good Works Trust’s Sophie Grey

The new van was recently put to excellent use, collecting and distributing more than 2,300 food cans and non-perishables from Northcross Intermediate School. Seth Robson, Josh Gough, Joanna Kim, and Gemma Uenuku organised the collection, achieving the outstanding result in just over two weeks!

When we learned about the amazing work that Sophie and her team are doing...It was, quite simply, a no-brainer.

YOU MAY BE aware that on October 1 the Earthquake Commission (EQC) Cap and Levy rose by over 50%, which impacts home insurance policies, body corporates, and the residential compo nent of commercial buildings across New Zealand, including North Harbour.

Garry Bray and the North Harbour Rothbury Insurance Broker team have been busy helping advise their local clients of this change and what the impact may be on their insurance poli cies. Here are the main changes you should be aware of.

What is the EQC Cap?

If your home is damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster (such as an earth quake, tsunami and natural landslip), until recently the Earthquake Commis sion provided cover for it to be repaired or replaced up to $150,000. This portion of cover is referred to as the EQC Cap.

On 1 October 2022, the Government increased the EQC Cap to $300,000 (excluding GST).

What is the EQC Levy?

To enable the Earthquake Commission to increase their cap, the EQC Levy you currently pay in your insurance has risen from $300 to $480 (excluding GST). The Government’s intention is to keep insur ance affordable in high seismic areas.

Earthquake prone areas such as Wellington, Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay have, to date, carried a disproportionate share of the Earthquake pricing and this is set to change with a redistribution of cost across all areas.

What this means for you

To ensure affordability and sustainability of earthquake cover in the areas most exposed to an earthquake (high seismic areas), insurers are now looking to redis tribute some of these costs to other parts of New Zealand, such as Auckland and here in North Harbour where there is lower earthquake risk, to help share the load. Each insurer will determine their pricing strategy in response to the EQC

change and unfortunately there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach.

How do I find out more information?

Get in touch with your insurance provider or talk to your insurance broker. Your insurance broker will be more than happy to discuss how these EQC changes, and other market factors, will impact you and your insurance policies.

If you would like a second opinion to make sure you have the right insur ance coverage for your needs, then get in touch with Garry and the Rothbury North Harbour team for quality and local ised advice. They have access to over 60 insurance companies and employ the very latest tools to make sure you get an insurance policy specific to you.

For personal service and quality advice from a local, give Garry Bray and the Rothbury North Harbour team a call today.

Business North Harbour AGM 2022

Business North Harbour (BNH) would like to thank the members, associate members, and all interested parties who attended the 2022 Annual General Meeting of BNH Incorporated, held in the BNH offices on 20 October at 5.00 pm. With no Covid-19 restrictions to worry about, it was good to be able to revert to an in-person meeting following the need for an online version last year.

IN THEIR RESPECTIVE capacities as Chair and General Manager, Peter Lamberton and Kevin O’Leary outlined the chal lenges and highlights of the 2021/22 financial year as BNH navigated our way through the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. The overarching strategy and business plan for the current year through to June 2025 were also outlined to attendees.

The 2021/22 financial year was unique. Like our members, BNH had to deal with the ongoing pandemic and associated lockdowns, Alert Levels and Traffic Light Settings. Regardless of these difficulties, the BNH Ambassa dors were able to contact over 1,700 members, identifying 248 new busi nesses that had moved into our area in the process. Moving forwards, continuing to improve member awareness of and engagement with BNH is paramount to the organisation. The Ambassador roles will remain pivotal in helping to achieve this goal.

This increased engagement resulted in enhanced member communications across a variety of platforms. With the improved member contact database, key messages and updates had a more effective reach. Consequently, we were able to deliver on our main priority of supporting members through the ongoing pandemic by providing up-to-date infor mation, links, and resources regarding government and other support for busi nesses and property owners.

BNH again developed a full calendar of programmes, services, events and

workshops tailored to the identified needs of members, following feedback from our annual members survey. These offerings were all aligned to the 3Cs: Connect, Communicate, Collaborate, and included the introduction of a mixedgender mentoring programme to run in conjunction with the successful Women In Leadership mentoring programme, both delivered in partnership with Massey University.

Unfortunately, our scheduled events programme, including 29 in-person events, was severely affected, with many cancelled due to government restrictions.

including the Council Budget 2022/23, NZ Three Waters, five bylaws, conges tion charging, The Parking Strategy and 12 additional transport projects.

Consistent messaging regarding supporting local business by shopping local, buying locally produced goods and utilising locally available services continued to be promoted regularly. The BUY NORTH HARBOUR Facebook page, along with the business directory on the BNH website, provided other plat forms for members to showcase their organisation’s products and services.

BNH continued to support the Acti vate North working group, who remained focused in their quest to become a key advocate and influencer in the develop ment of the wider region from Devonport to Orewa.

Light Settings.

However, seven in-person events were delivered, plus 18 online opportunities for members to engage with subject-matter experts. This included six webinars in response to topics highlighted in our Business Resilience Survey, an addi tional survey conducted in February to ascertain where members required addi tional support.

Advocacy remained a primary focus for BNH, with advocacy to government ministers and our local MPs becoming more critical as we regularly asked for additional financial and other support for members as the pandemic’s reper cussions worsened. Feedback was also provided to Auckland Council and Auck land Transport on a variety of topics,

The Annual Financial Reports to 30 June 2022 were presented to the satis faction of attendees, along with key performance measures for the current financial year. Additionally, the draft budget for the 2023/24 financial year, which includes a 6.9 per cent increase in the targeted rate, was approved by members.

There were several changes to the Executive Committee as Peter Lamberton, Terry Ottow, Ryan de Zwart, and Bronwen Newcombe stepped down from their positions. BNH expressed profound gratitude to Peter, Terry, and Ryan for their excellent contributions to the organisation over the past six, five, and four years respectively. BNH sincerely thanks the remaining Board members for their ongoing work and extends a warm welcome to our new Executive Committee members Janet Marshall, Lisa Hill, and Jenny Chen.

Like our members, BNH had to deal with the ongoing pandemic and associated lockdowns, Alert Levels and Traffic

Events & Workshops

» 25 Events and workshops

» 687 Total event registrations

» 86% Speaker quality rating

» 95% Members who said content was beneficial to their organisation

ONE DAY SALE

» 29 participating businesses

STAND-OUT SPEAKERS

» North Harbour Asian Business Group & BNZ Connect Networking Event with Ben Yang, Cindy Dong, David Blakey, Gary Lin, Hygeia King, John Morrow, Ken Huang, Kevin O’Leary, Lengxi Liu 120 attendees

» 2022 Post Budget Luncheon with Erica Stanford MP, Nicola Willis, Hon Stuart Nash, Vanushi Walters MP 115 attendees

Partnerships

GOLD SPONSORSHIP

FUNDING PARTNERSHIPS

» Gold, Silver and Event Category sponsorship totalled $72,666.67 for 2021/22.

» Many thanks to our sponsors and stakeholders for their financial support in 2021/22.

» Business Capability Workshop: Government Budget Update, Digital Boost, and Transport with Dr Deborah Russell MP, Evelyn Seewald, Shanan Halbert MP, Vanushi Walters MP 31 attendees

Crime Prevention

PATROLS

» Nightly security patrols run 365 days a year, with a particular focus on “hot spots” – premises previously targeted by criminals or areas at risk of trending crime.

» 2,920 Reports received on security “hot spots”, an average of 8 per night

» 29 Visits to North Harbour commercial premises, resulting in 11 physical assessments of premises to try and avoid future criminal activity

VEHICLE CRIME

» 75% Members who rated vehicle security as “important” or “very important” in BNH’s annual Members Survey

» 53% Increase in vehicle break-ins in the last 12 months. Unfortunately, several of these incidents occurred during the day as vehicles were overflow parked on streets close to Albany park and ride.

» 32% Increase in stolen cars. The majority of these crimes also occurred during the day amongst overflow parking around Albany park and ride

COMMUNITY SAFETY

» 14 Meetings between Business North Harbour and key stakeholders, including NZ Police.

» 24 Reported incidents of shoplifting – a decrease of 37% on 2020/21.

1,715

248

Number of communications /contacts with members completed by the relationship team

Number of new businesses located in the BID, as identified by BNH Ambassadors

Corporate Social Responsibility

INORGANIC COLLECTIONS

» 2 Inorganic collections (Dec 2021 and March 2022)

» 30 Number of businesses that participated

» 72% Members who rated landfill reduction as “important” or “very important” in BNH’s annual Members Survey.

» 55m3 Total amount collected 47m3

recycled by Abilities Group 8.0m3 sent to landfill

FOOD WASTE COLLECTIONS

» $4,945 Funding received from Upper Harbour Local Board (UHLB).

» 16 Tonnes of food waste diverted from landfill this year

» 42.56 Tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions reduced from landfill this year

» 6 Number of FREE food waste collections plus FREE kitchen bins offered to BNH members

» 33 Number of organisations having weekly collections, including cafés, catering companies, sports clubs, churches, and commercial businesses

RECYCLING AND UPCYCLING

» 600 Pallets recycled – reducing roadside waste, and upcycling to companies that require additional pallets

A slam dunk for sports teams’ accommodation!

BEING CONVENIENTLY LOCATED close to North Harbour Stadium, the National Hockey Stadium, and AUT Millennium, Ramada Suites by Wyndham Albany (part of Marsden Hotels & Resorts) has been welcoming national and international sports teams since it opened in 2017.

The hotel is ideal for sporting groups as all rooms are apartment-style, featuring kitchens and a laundry – a must for washing all those uniforms! There’s also ample parking and a drop-off point for coaches.

Over the past five years we’ve hosted swimming teams - both schools and High Performance Sport NZ with Olympic and Commonwealth competitors, including Sophie Pascoe and her then coach, Roly Crichton. Numerous groups from other sports have visited too: hockey, netball, NZ football, and national rugby teams.

Most recently, in October, we hosted the Chinese-Taipei team for the Badminton Victor North Harbour competition. And we are looking forward to being the partner hotel for the Men’s Softball World Cup 2022, running through late November into December. But our commitment to sport goes further. We sponsor local teams, such as North Harbour Rugby, and we’re the partner hotel for Tuatara baseball for their 2022/23 season. It feels great to be resuming this relationship after two years of Covid disruption! We love having Kiwi and overseas players staying with us.

If you’re planning a sporting event, Ramada Suites by Wyndham Albany can help you hit it out of the park! Contact general manager Jacqui Cheal on 09 974 4568 or manager@ramadaalbany.co.nz ramadaalbany.co.nz marsdenhotels.co.nz

After two long summers sitting on the side-lines, the Auckland Tuatara are finally back competing in the Australian Baseball League this season. The team will be based at North Harbour Stadium again and will play 20 home games over five weekends from lateNovember into mid-January.

The Ramada Albany and the wider Marsden Group have been loyal supporters of the franchise, sticking with them through their two-year hiatus and helping them reach new heights this summer.

Dale Budge

GM Sport and Communications, Auckland Tuatara

Don’t know where to start with IT? Is your business prepared for the worst?

ACCORDING TO RICHMOND House Group 2020: “20% of small to medi um-sized businesses will suffer a major disaster causing loss of critical data every five years.”

Cloud backups are no longer a luxury; they’re a necessity for every busi ness. Devices can get lost, hardware can fail, and data can be corrupted, so a solid backup strategy is one of the critical elements of being prepared.

Backup solutions take time and effort,

but imagine trying to recreate lost data! It can result in frustrated employees, disappointed clients, missed sales and, potentially, negative publicity.

Fortunately, the Spark Business Hub Auckland North team is here to help safeguard your business.

We can take an objective look at your current situation, explain the risks, and offer practical advice about backup and IT solutions. We can also help you create a backup and recovery plan to keep all your data safe and accessible, regard less of where it is stored.

An IT health check is a practical way to assess your business’ current IT infra

structure and identify any potential risks. It can help you understand how well your systems are performing and where you may need to make improvements. A health check can also identify any vulner abilities that hackers could exploit, and recommend steps to protect your data.

Spark’s cost-effective solution benefits include IT health checks, data security, and complete cloud and on-site backups – all of which are custom-built and scal able to your business needs.

Find out more at spark.co.nz/business/contactus/ business-hubs/aucklandnorth

Cybersecurity for SMBs: Asia Pacific Businesses Prepare for Digital Defense September 2021.

Business Resilience – beyond bouncing back

The word ‘unprecedented’ has been used an unprecedented number of times in the last three years. Undoubtedly, we’re living through a period of unparalleled business disruption and uncertainty. While it’s unfortunately been the undoing of many businesses, others have managed to adapt and innovate, to capitalise on unexpected opportunities and potentially grow even stronger.

THE KEY TO their success is business resilience. Here we look at four funda mental aspects of business resilience, three of which were identified in Busi ness North Harbour’s (BNH’s) annual members survey as areas where local businesses wanted more support.

By Lizzie Brandon

Crime Prevention

WHEN A BUSINESS is targeted by offenders, there can be a swathe of undesirable repercussions on every thing from operational disruption to staff wellbeing.

BNH’s crime prevention specialist Dave Loader has been involved with the security industry for almost 40 years. Since joining the BNH team in 2015, he has worked diligently to help business and property owners protect their prem ises, assets, and people.

What follows are his essential crime prevention guidelines, applicable for organisations from all commercial sectors.

Safeguarding your premises

• Fit an audible security alarm that is professionally monitored.

Set this every night when the business closes.

Ensure your monitoring company has a current and complete list of keyholders to be contacted in case of alarm activation.

Note: NZ Police will not respond to a premises’ alarm unless offenders are confirmed as being on site.

• Install good quality sensor lighting and external / internal CCTV to record any incidents.

• Ensure security signage saying that you have security systems operating is clearly displayed. This is a known deterrent.

• Where appropriate, engage with your local security patrol company to perform one or two visits per night to check (a) there is no suspicious behaviour occurring around your premises and (b) all doors and windows remain secure.

• Keep your green space or gardens well-maintained and tidy, with shrubs near windows trimmed low to the ground. Overgrown plants can provide cover for offenders seeking to gain entry, keeping them hidden from sight of passing pedestrians or traffic.

Taking care of your staff

Employee health and wellbeing are para mount. All staff should be instructed never to approach an offender commit ting a crime. Instead, from a safe vantage point, they should immediately call the police on 111 and provide an accurate description of what is occurring.

Helping to protect your company’s and employees’ vehicles

Across Auckland, the cars most likely to be stolen are Toyota Aqua and Mark X, Mazda Demio, and Nissan Tiida. These are also the vehicles most likely to be used in ram raids. Being generally older

Dave Loader

models, they are key-operated and do not have in-built immobilisers. Therefore, encouraging owners of these vehicles to invest $40 or so for a visible deterrent, such as a steering wheel lock, could be a wise move – especially when compared to the cost and stress of being without a vehicle (and therefore unable to travel to work) potentially for several weeks whilst insurance claims are settled.

Vehicle number plate theft is also on the rise. This is a minor (non-violent) crime, which is nonetheless highly incon venient. However, BNH offers a free on-site “anti-theft screw fitting” service to all members and their employees.

Dispelling a myth

“Business owners often tell me that they’ve been operating in the same location for several years and suffered no incidents,” says Dave. “Sadly, that means nothing. You could be targeted at any time.

“I also find myself constantly reminding people to check their alarm is in good working order and that it is monitored. You cannot rely on passers-by or your neighbours to hear your alarm sounding and act upon this.

“Investing in a few commonsense crime prevention strategies today could save you from the serious financial impact, business disruption, and anxiety caused by crime tomorrow.”

Would you like help to bolster your business resilience by reviewing your crime prevention plan?

Email Dave Loader at crimeprevention@businessnh.org. nz to arrange a site visit.

Marketing

“THERE’S DEFINITELY A heightened role of marketing in the board room now,” affirms Tessa Tripp, marketing director at The Mind Lab and Tech Futures Lab. “I think this comes down to the proximity of marketing to the customer – being able to influence the customer’s experience throughout their journey, whilst gathering data along the way.

“Data is gold for resilience!”

The key is to turn the data into some thing useful, because getting to know and understand a customer means that a business can guide their choices. “And that puts marketing in a pivotal position for influencing longterm strategy.”

For a small business, social media is an essential datagathering tool. By focusing on their customers’ preferred platforms, SMEs can monitor which posts provoke the “best” reactions –with the definition of “best” varying from campaign to campaign, depending on whether the goal is to, for example, attract new followers from a specific demographic or increase sales of a particular product. “Some cafés ventured into e-commerce, selling their own beans or home coffee kits, enabling them to collect information through the purchasing funnel,” Tessa explains.

A regular e-newsletter is another straightforward way of maintaining meaningful contact. Every reader’s click is another nugget of information. “It goes towards building a deeper relation

ship with your customer across multiple touchpoints.”

Consistency is crucial, too – but how to achieve this in a time of constant change? “We’re always being hit with new headwinds, but new opportuni ties as well. Increasingly, therefore, an effective marketing plan is a combi nation of long-term strategic goals plus agility.”

Marketing messages need to be aligned with a business’ core values, purpose, and mission so that, even if the content has to be updated, the style and tone of the messaging remain constant across all communica tion channels.

Core business goals and marketing goals should also be intrinsically linked, but Tessa observes that some organisations fail to recog nise this.

Moreover, it’s no longer enough to be aware of only your direct and indirect competitors. “You need to under stand the market overall and the other experiences your customers could be having there.

“To paraphrase Harvard Business Review: the old truth is that you were competing with your competitors; the new truth is that you’re competing with the last best experience your customer had.”

Alongside customer engagement, Tessa encourages companies to invest in their brand as the most effective action to support business resilience. “If you can do this, especially during good times, it’ll be your biggest asset when bad times hit.”

She cites the real-world example of Asos, which recently recorded a huge loss of £31.9m. The newly-appointed CEO blamed “insufficient brand invest ment” and “an over-reliance on shortterm promotions” – doubling as a cautionary tale against reactionary, panic-induced marketing actions.

It can be an all-too-easy trap, but busi nesses that employ knee-jerk tactics aren’t thinking about the longer-term customer experience, considering behavioural shifts, or seeking potential opportunities.

Tessa had first-hand experience of this. She was working in the finan cial industry in London in 2020 and recalls how many organisations imme diately pulled their advertising, and cut their marketing spend and teams. It was a knee-jerk reaction to an impending unknown.

“Fortunately, my CEO was a lot more level-headed!” When Tessa researched previous periods of disrup tion, such as the GFC, she found the

Tessa Tripp

businesses that succeeded were the ones that had invested in their brand, ensuring they were “out there in front of the customers”, showing that they were sturdy and could withstand the storm. “Those businesses did well because customers felt they could rely on them; they felt secure with them.”

As a final point, Tessa reminds busi ness owners to carefully measure the success of each campaign before moving on to the next one. “The most powerful connection your customers can feel towards your company is an emotional one. That’s the ultimate you’re aiming for! So, use the data to understand what your customers are telling you.

“If you listen to your customers, you shouldn’t ever go too far wrong!”

IT systems and support

BUSINESS RESILIENCE IS not only about the ability to be up and running as swiftly as possible after a major disruption; it’s also about operating as efficiently and productively as possible day-to-day. Remote access to secure data storage, adequate back-ups, and other IT systems and processes play a crucial role in this.

Although New Zealand’s business owners seem aware of the general prin ciple of digitisation, research by MYOB strongly suggests a serious “disconnect”, with half of SMEs saying that multiple digital solutions are actually hindering rather than helping their business. In other words, management software apps and tools are running in silos instead of seamlessly integrating.

Daniel West, chief sales and support officer at MYOB, said: “[W]hat we’re seeing is that in compar ison to the digital subscrip tion or streaming services we as consumers use and enjoy every day, businesses aren’t getting the same inte gration and connectivity between the digital applica tions they’re investing in –and as a result, it’s costing them dearly.”

Indeed, more than a third of the 500 SMEs surveyed have experienced costs “blowing out” because of disconnected digital tools. And across New Zealand SMEs, approximately $334m is wasted annually on unused digital tools.

Then there’s the strategic risk. The MYOB survey revealed that more than 40 per cent of New Zealand businesses

find it hard to get a complete picture of business performance based on the intel from across their various systems or find themselves making operational deci sions without total visibility of their busi ness. Plus, almost half say that this lack of visibility makes it difficult to add capa bilities to their team and services or adapt the organisation as needed, which could ultimately stifle growth and oppor tunities for success.

At its most basic, digitisation should free up valuable staff time and simplify internal processes. For business owners unsure where to start, Aaron suggests three key areas.

Job management

Quoting, job costings, task and staff scheduling can all be automated, and there are different apps to suit different industries.

Invoicing

“The quicker your invoice goes out, the faster you’ll be paid. If you’re three weeks behind, your cashflow could be severely affected – and it’s tough enough out there already.”

Overall efficiency and productivity

Aaron Redwood, director of Spark Business Hub Auckland North, says that, unfortunately, this all sounds very familiar and feels that perhaps the Kiwi “number eight wire” and “she’ll be right” mentalities may be partially to blame. “What looks simple on the surface can be incredibly complex underneath. Too often, our IT support teams are asked to stick a band-aid on top of a band-aid – and that’s not a long-term, viable solution for the client. At some point, it could end up causing far more disruption than the problem they’re trying to solve.”

Whilst acknowledging that SMEs are always busy juggling priorities, Aaron says that investing the time to under stand how a business could benefit from digitisation, including consideration of future growth plans, should be a natural part of the broader business plan.

“It could be as straightforward as stream lining your remote meetings plat form (e.g., MS Teams) with your phone system into one digital tool, which means there’s only one system that staff have to be trained on.” Or what about catching those missed or abandoned calls?

“Installing more lines only works if you’ve got the people to answer them! Instead, look at the digital options.”

Furthermore, businesses seeking to recruit and retain younger talent should carefully consider their use of digital tools. “Gen Z expects the right systems and processes in the workplace. It’s a dealbreaker for them.”

Aaron reminds business owners, “If you’re not sure of the value of a system your IT partner is proposing, get them to articulate what the return on your invest ment should be so you have the confi dence to proceed.

“And whatever strategy you both decide on, make sure it’s scalable for your business – and that your IT partner has the capacity to match.”

“If the technology looks like a good fit, talk to people who already use it. Ask about their real-world experiences – positive and negative.”

Aaron Redwood

At its most basic, digitisation should free up valuable staff time and simplify internal processes.

Emergency preparedness

BUSINESS DISRUPTION COMES in many forms. As Kiwis, we know that natural hazards can occur at any time. It’s not just the incident itself (e.g., earthquake, flood) that causes the problems, but the subsequent repercussions, such as power outages, loss of access to a work place, infrastructure collapse or unavail ability of staff.

An Emergency Response Plan details what everyone within the busi ness would do should an emergency occur and begins with covering basics such as evacuation procedures, emer gency contact details, and access to emergency supplies (first aid kit, food, and water).

Bridget Vercoe, principal business resil ience advisor for Auckland Emergency Management, says that experience from previous emergency events demonstrates that businesses with the necessary skills, plans and relationships in place before an emergency fare significantly better than those that do not.

“Emergencies can happen anytime, including during business hours. You can’t predict the likelihood of a severe weather event like the Albany tornado in 2011. But preparing before an emer gency can help mitigate the risk for those events.

“Planning enables you to respond in a way which meets your legal require ments, reduces reputational damage, keeps your staff safe, and keeps your customers and suppliers happy.

“Finally, and most importantly, it means being able to recover and adapt faster after an emergency with the reduced financial and personal losses.”

Not only does an emergency plan make sound business sense it is a legal requirement.

Under New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act (2015), business owners must keep staff safe during and after an emergency. Specifically, New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Regulations (2016) state that “a person conducting a business or undertaking (employer) has the ‘primary duty of care’ to ensure the safety of workers and anyone affected by its work”.

Begin at the beginning

Take a moment now to think about your business – its core activities, people, location – and the physical and virtual resources you rely on every day.

“I like to think of it as a game of ‘What if?’,” says Bridget. “What if you have an accident or are unwell? Who else is authorised to pay bills or wages, or update your website?

“What if there is a fire and you cannot access your premises for weeks? Where else can you operate your business?

Are all your important documents and records backed up?” she continues.

Resilience isn’t just about emer gency planning; a business must also be adaptive. “If you regularly review your processes to see what could be done differently or better, you’ll be more skilled at the innovation that might be required in an emergency.”

Experience shows that disruptive events, especially large-scale occur rences, can be catalysts for change and opportunity. “Communication is crucial. Talk to your customers, suppliers, land lord, business neighbours, competitors –and the team at Business North Harbour!

“We’ve all heard of business owners who joined forces with others to share space, staff, and resources, or pivoted to fill a new market opportunity.

“If you’re well-prepared to handle an emergency, your business will not only recover, it may also thrive.”

Auckland Emergency Management has developed a business continuity guide and emergency response planning template to help small business owners prepare for emergency events. For more information go to aucklandemergencymanagement. org.nz/work-ready

Resilient Organisations also has information on how to prepare for an emergency. You can download Shut happens: Resilience for small business for free via the link at business.govt.nz/risksand-operations/planning-forthe-unexpected-bcp/emergencyplanning-for-businesses

Keep an eye out for details of BNH’s Emergency Preparedness workshop coming in 2023

Experience shows that disruptive events...can be catalysts for change and opportunity.

Business resilience Survive or thrive? Cashflow management

Business resilience is the ability to respond and adapt quickly to disruptions or unplanned changes that could threaten your business’ survival.

THE SINGLE MOST significant reason businesses fail is that they run out of cash. Cashflow is the lifeblood of busi ness and is the ongoing process of ensuring that the organisation has the available cash (or “liquid” cash) needed to survive or thrive.

Why? Because both surviving and thriving require cash. To survive, a busi ness needs cash to trade, pay suppliers, cover wages, or buy raw materials. To thrive, a business needs to continue to operate whilst investing in innova tion or developing new products and services or new markets (or both). And in both cases, it needs to pay its owners a decent return!

It’s no longer enough to measure the health of your business by the cash in your bank account or the bottom line of your profit and loss. The pandemic has taught us that we need to change our behaviour. Cash is the priority and will always make the difference.

Depending on your business type (e.g., manufacturing, retail, services) and how long your cash conversion cycle is, you could need between two to three months (or more) of cash to ride out an unexpected event.

The more cashflow resilient your busi ness is, the easier it will be to source funding to see you through. In finance/

every future transaction – incoming and outgoing. It means determining the timing of your debtors (those who owe you money and the likelihood of them paying) and creditors (those to whom you owe money), upcoming tax payments, wages and salaries, future purchases, drawings you’ll need to live, capital expenditure, and any other busi ness commitments.

Beyond survival, future cashflow is essential when making significant deci sions - expansion, capital expendi ture (buying equipment or machinery), entering new markets or developing new products and services (also known

that they’re making informed choices – or realise that a different approach is needed.

And that could be the difference between failing, surviving, or thriving.

At Pathfinder Solutions, we’re busi ness owners too. Our directors, Richard Orsbourn and Kenina Court, have founded, grown and sold companies, and held roles as CFOs, financial direc tors, and IT/operations of corporate businesses. They also have real-world business experience of economic down turns such as the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), so they’ve been in the hot seat riding out the storms.

accounting terms, this is known as a cashflow forecast, and it should be one of your main business manage ment tools alongside your business plan and budget. To calculate and maintain a cashflow forecast, you’ll need to be methodical about looking at the cash in your business into the future. This means considering all your income and expen diture and projecting what this looks like for your bank balance.

This goes beyond looking at what’s in your account. It’s understanding

as diversification). It is also how you can be certain you will get a return on your investment or deliver on your wealth plan.

Making decisions based on your gut feeling and current bank account can result, in the words of AC/DC, in “rock or bust”. What might seem like a bril liant idea at the time – we’ve all had those epiphanies! – could have quite a different result.

But, armed with a cashflow fore cast, business owners can be confident

Whether you are ready to grow, expand, diversify, or innovate – or if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by current cashflow challenges – the team at Pathfinder would love to work with you to help you achieve your wealth plan and goals.

Pathfinder Solutions

09 869 2356

info@pathfindersolutions.co.nz pathfindersolutions.co.nz

The pandemic has taught us that we need to change our behaviour. Cash is the priority and will always make the difference.

could be the critical factor

Value and support your diverse workforce – or risk losing their talent

THE BENEFITS OF diversity in the work place include faster problem-solving, better decision-making, increased inno vation, employee engagement, and better financial performance. Yet diver sity can only deliver on its full potential when it exists in a genuinely inclusive environment.

We are not born with an innate ability to navigate diversity with ease. In fact, our brains are wired to mistrust differ ences with others, which leads us all naturally to develop biases. Because of that, to become effective, trusted leaders within our organisations and communi ties, we first need to become students of culture, developing competency in effec tively understanding, communicating, and interacting with people whose back grounds and cultures differ from our own.

Our ability to mitigate the negative effects of our bias and build strong, trusting, collaborative relationships with

others – regardless of differences in culture and background – begins with an openness which requires self-confidence and a genuine interest in becoming a better version of ourselves. We must also be genuinely interested in bettering ourselves regarding our interactions with and impact on others.

Becoming more culturally aware relates to mindset. It requires the self-ex amination and exploration of our own personal, cultural, and professional back grounds, and it can increase our sensi tivity toward our own biases and their effects on others.

Cultural competency relates to the skills involved, and developing those skills is an ongoing process. Communi cating with empathy, managing conflict effectively, and adept change leadership are important components.

Struggling with our own biases is part of what it is to be human. We are

not born able to read or write, yet it has become an accepted necessity that we learn to do so because those skills are essential for us to succeed. The same could be said for learning cultural aware ness and cultural competency in order to contribute to a genuinely inclusive envi ronment that promotes diversity – and all the many advantages it offers.

If engaging talent, retaining and empowering a diverse workforce and truly creating an inclusive workplace are key to your future success, we’d love to hear from you to explore how Dale Carn egie can support or partner with you in this journey.

Simon Weakley

Director of Sales and Training

Dale Carnegie New Zealand and Pacific Mobile: 027 589 2401 simon@dalecarnegie.co.nz dalecarnegie.co.nz

Is it time to give up bottled water for good?

ACCORDING TO FIGURES published in the Huffington Post, as of 2017, across the world, more than one million plastic water bottles are bought every minute. Not only is this an environmental disaster, but researchers also warn that bottled water packaging could contain potentially harmful chemicals.

Specifically, scientists are pointing the finger at phthalates, also known as plas ticisers, used to make bottles more flexible and durable. Exposure to these has been linked to disrupting the human endocrine system – and while the quantities in plastic bottles may not be dangerous in isolation, we’re exposed to phthalates from many other sources in our everyday lives.

There are also concerns about the potentially long storage times of bottled water in ambient conditions. Dr Maida Glavez, professor of environmental medicine and public health at Icahn School of Medicine in New York, is quoted as saying: “Water bottles can be susceptible to contamination because of the prolonged direct contact between the water and the plastic packaging materials.”

Furthermore, numerous studies have found substances in bottled water, included heavy metals (e.g., barium and lead), toxins, bacteria, fungus, and “microbiological pollutants”.

To read Daryl Austin’s article in full, go to huffingtonpost.co.uk and search for All the convincing you’ll need to ditch bottled water for good.

RINNAI HAS DEVELOPED the first fully engineered hydrogen hot water heater that produces zero carbon emissions.

This new system is a “game changer”, according to Tom Kelly, B&B Plumbing’s division service manager, who works frequently in North Harbour. “It’s no exaggeration to say this is the start of a new era of water heating. I’m confident that both commercial and residential customers will be keen to investigate the eco-benefits it offers.”

He acknowledges that New Zealand’s hydrogen infrastructure is in its infancy.

“However, with multiple energy and transport projects already underway nationwide, hopefully, the infrastructure won’t take too long to implement and become widely available.”

Observing that New Zealand is aiming for net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, Ray Ferner, managing director of Rinnai New Zealand, said: “While there is further work to be done, this is a critical step towards a zero net carbon future and the start of bringing to market proven household gas appliances that can run on totally renewable gas.”

TO

World’s first 100% hydrogen water heater now available in New Zealand

New initiative to reduce single-use coffee cup waste

COFFEE DRINKERS CAN now order their takeaway brew in a reusable cup, even if they’ve forgotten to bring their own.

Kiwi coffee roastery Havana Coffee Works has partnered with returnable packaging manufacturer Again Again to create an innovative and practical solu tion to help reduce coffee cup waste.

Dubbed the “Coffee Cup Library”, coffee lovers can sign up, borrow, and return a reusable stainless steel coffee cup from participating Havana venues

Local sustainability heroes recognised

THE FINALISTS HAVE been announced for the 20th annual Sustainable Busi ness Awards, and several Business North Harbour members and associate members have been shortlisted.

All Heart NZ, KiwiHarvest, Abilities Group, and Waste Management NZ all feature on the list of 71 finalists who, in the words of Sustainable Business Network CEO Rachel Brown ONZM, “showcase what is possible in a more sustainable economy.”

Winners are announced at a ceremony at the end of November, to be held in Auckland and broadcast online.

across the country. To date, 75 venue partners have signed up; New Brew on William Pickering Drive is currently the only one in the North Harbour district (at the time of going to print).

Once customers have downloaded the Again Again app, they can purchase coffee from their chosen café and tap their phone on the scan station at the till to borrow a cup at no extra cost. In some

locations, customers will get a discount for borrowing a returnable cup. They then have two weeks to return borrowed returnable cups to any café participating in the Ground For Good programme.

Coffee lovers and café owners who want to get involved with this initiative should take a look at groundforgood.co.nz

A STUDY FROM Oxford University suggests that moving away from fossil fuels could save the world up to $12 trillion (US) by 2050.

Published on Joule, the research states that for the past 40 years, perceived high costs have been one of the significant obstacles to transi tioning to greener energy. However, “this pessimism” is now obsolete due to the falling price of renewables.

“Updating expectations to better align with historical evidence could fundamentally change the debate about climate policy and dramatically accelerate progress to decarbonise energy systems around the world.”

Speaking to BBC News, Professor Doyne Farmer from the Institute for New Economic Thinking at the Oxford Martin School said, “Even if you’re a climate denier, you should be on board with what we’re advocating.

“Our central conclusion is that we should go full speed ahead with the green energy transition because it’s going to save us money.”

To read more, visit bbc.com/news/scienceenvironment-62892013

Switching to renewable energy could save trillions of dollars

Benefitz tackles huge Rugby World Cup project

THE TEAM AT Benefitz has recently completed a challenging project – to rebrand three stadium venues – Eden Park and Waitakere Stadium in Auck land, and Northland Stadium in Whan garei – for the Rugby World Cup for Women held in October and November, which culminated in the final on Saturday, 12 November at Eden Park.

“We were thrilled to be chosen to deliver this project for NZ Rugby and World Rugby as it gave us a real oppor tunity to show our wide range of capabili ties,” says sales manager Blake Douglas, who managed the project for Benefitz.

“We understand we were one of around a dozen local and international businesses to pitch for the event, so to be given the nod was very pleasing. Our all-round manufacturing and installa tion capability, lengthy track record and use of solar power would have been big factors in the decision.”

For Benefitz, the project included the branding of the three venues as well as wrapping 12 team buses and satisfying the display requirements of several inter national event sponsors.

This massive undertaking involved most of our 70-plus staff at certain times.

“Our strength in the design area played a huge part in the event going very smoothly,” adds Blake Douglas. “We have a team of 10 creative people who can respond quickly to the require ments of these event organisers. On the back of that strength, we have one of the best – if not the best – large and grand format printing operations in the country. It’s powerful, with the ability to print up to five metres wide and any length. Event requirements ranged from printing massive banners and lots of rigid

signage panels through to adhesives for buses and general use branding and covering up at the venues. We also produced over 60 media backdrops –both rigid and fabric – and additional items such as branded archways and media towers, and hundreds of metres of printed fence mesh.

“Our team undertook the entire instal lation, with windows of just five to seven days to get things installed from start to finish. Each of the venues had different challenges. At Eden Park, it was size.

At Waitakere Stadium, we were turning a suburban venue into an international stadium with branding on temporary structures. And Northland Stadium was just a bit further away in Whangarei.

“We were thrilled with the result of our efforts and the work of our whole crew. This massive undertaking involved most of our 70-plus staff at certain times. There was a requirement for most to dig in and do that bit extra to get things done, and that was what happened. It was a real team effort.”

For more information, visit benefitz.co.nz

Blake Douglas and Aidan Bennett at Eden Park on a Rugby World Cup match day

Aidan Bennett with one of 12 buses Benefitz wrapped for Rugby World Cup teams

Members of the Benefitz signage team at Waitakere Stadium

Signage being installed at Waitakere Stadium with the use of Benefitz’s hoist boom truck

Signage at Whangarei Stadium

AT accepts BNH recommendations about Bush Road’s new footpath

Business North Harbour quickly responded when plans were first announced, strongly advocating for car parking to be retained along this stretch of road. We are pleased to confirm that AT was receptive to this feedback.

Construction of the footpath is expected to begin in February 2023.

A complete list of all Business North Harbour’s submissions is available at businessnh.org.nz/ formal-submissions

Riding green in North Harbour

FOR COMMUTERS WHO wish to use public transport into and out of North Harbour, an e-scooter can be a handy way of completing the first or final leg of their journey. For example, from Constellation park and ride to a workplace in Apollo Drive.

Lime Scooters reactivated its operations in the region at the start of the year. Although specific data is not available for North Harbour, Lime confirms that in the eight months from January to August, more than 12,000 trips were completed on the North Shore. Approximately 3,700 active users hire scooters for 10-minute trips of about 1.5km (median figures).

For more information about hiring and safe usage of Lime Scooters, go to li.me/en-nz/ vehicles or download the Lime app. Alternatively, there are several local companies that can help you investigate the benefits of owning an e-scooter, e-bike or hoverboard, including Gear Junkie, ElectrifyNZ, Evo Cycles, Electric Scooters, eScoozzi, Mango Scooters, Biomoov, and Electric Scooter Shop.

REMEMBER, YOU CAN continue to enjoy half-price fares on buses, trains, and ferries until 31 January 2023. AT is applying this 50 per cent discount to its fares, HOP cards, HOP monthly passes, all AT concessions, and the Total Mobility Scheme. There are just a few excep tions, such as the Waiheke ferry.

For full details, go to at.govt.nz/bustrain-ferry/fares-discounts/half-pricediscount-on-public-transport-fares

BNH Inorganic Collection Stats

AA to assist breakdowns on two wheels with Roadservice for bicycles

IN RESPONSE TO more of its members choosing bicycles for their daily commute, AA Roadservice now covers bicycle break downs, including tyre tube repair or replacement and a bike recovery service. The service had been previously extended to include e-bikes.

Northern Corridor Improvements update:

‘This mahi didn’t go to waste’

NCI’S WORK TO widen a section of SH1 was recently recognised by wasteMINZ at the Awards for Excellence. The project team won the Disposal to Land award for its work managing the impact on the adjacent Rosedale Landfill.

“To build the Northern Busway and shared user path upgrades in this section of the project, we spent many months planning how part of the landfill could be safely removed to make way for these important transport upgrades, all within the confines of the available landfill. Before any work started on site, a meticulous 18-month planning process was under taken and included activities such as geotech potholing, settlement monitoring, location of live gas mains and power cables, as well as compaction trialling.

“This high level of planning helped to ensure that we could achieve three main

outcomes – the landfill was exposed for the minimum amount of time, 8,500 tonnes of waste was able to be removed

in just 15 days, and that there was no risk to public health while this work was carried out.”

Construction manager Adam Blackie and project engineer Nichola Ram collecting the award on behalf of the team

Introducing your ‘formidable property and business disputes team’

FOLLOWING JOY YUAN’S well-de served promotion on 1 November, Turner Hopkins is delighted to introduce our three female principals.

Catherine Pendleton (centre) heads up the litigation and employment team who assist clients with all employment matters (contracts, investigations and disputes), and a broad range of civil dispute resolution processes including mediation, arbitration, adjudication and court proceedings. The team specia lises in Property Law Act claims and the compensation procedure under the ADLS residential property sale and purchase agreement.

Joy (right) is a commercial property finance and lending guru who primarily works with clients on their subdivision projects and purchasing, selling, and leasing commercial property. She can also assist with general company and business law matters.

Kate Chivers (left) oversees the resi dential conveyancing team and partic ularly enjoys helping first-home buyers reach their home ownership goals. Addi

tionally, Kate and Joy often collaborate on more complex property and lending transactions.

Together, these ladies are a formidable property and business disputes team focused on resolving many property-re lated matters, from settlement failure to leasing disagreements, and shareholder and business conflicts.

Managing partner Michael Robinson says, “Turner Hopkins is committed to developing our internal talent to reflect the diverse needs of our clients. Cath erine, Joy, and Kate are a combined force to be reckoned with, and I’m proud to have them on our team.”

广大的华人客户提供最专业的法律意见。

Catherine Pendleton (诉讼及劳务部主任 律师), Kate Chivers (房地产及商业主任律 师), Joy Yuan (房地产及商业部亚洲事业 部主任律师) 三位资深律师一起为有需要 的客户提供一站式专业的房地产交割，开 发分割，民事纠纷解决等相关法律服务。

For a confidential, no-obligation conversation about any business or property-related legal matter, please call (09) 801 0775 or email law@turnerhopkins.co.nz turnerhopkins.co.nz

Turner Hopkins律师事务所最高法人，资 深律师Michael Robinson祝贺Joy Yuan 律师的晋升，同时提到Turner Hopkins律 师事务所作为新西兰百年历史的律所在弘 扬法律精神的同时也大力支持为新西兰多 元化社区提供专业全面的法律服务和支 持，Michael认为新时代女性力量对企业的 高质量发展有着重要意义。

欢迎大家致电联系Turner Hopkins律师事 务所的各位律师咨询您的法律问题。

AT DESIGNATION, OUR goal is to visually elevate our clients and keep them ahead of the competition.

“When we design signage or print concepts, we think about and specify any new materials we can use, espe cially new printing vinyls and textures. This gives your company image a unique and eye-catching look, with distinctive effects.”

Designation’s a local company – like you! – so you can be assured about our quality, accountability, and attention to detail.

“We’re a turn-key solution from design through to production of printing. This gives us more control over colours and makes it easier to proof jobs with clients face-to-face or via email and courier.

“Our slogan is ‘Start with Great Design’. Sometimes we work on projects

from supplied graphics. Starting with a not-so-attractive design can lead to a less stunning visual! If we get involved early on, we can better shape the outcome.”

We love extending your branding to your vehicles… and beyond!

“Contrary to common assumption, signage vinyl doesn’t damage a vehicle’s paintwork! However, it can be difficult to remove if it’s left on a vehicle or building sign for more than five years. So, we recommend refreshing your signage every three to four years, if possible.”

Nathaniel Hamilton, Healthy Homes Paul and the team at Designation are our preferred signage and printing part ners. From designing business cards through to building signage, Designation continues to provide fantastic services,

and I highly recommend their services to other companies.

Mustafa Ibrahim

I messaged Paul about a glass door we were installing in our clinic and wanted it to have the same design as our other glass doors. He is very responsive and communicative, and nailed the design first go. Very talented. We had serviceman Dan come into the clinic to install, and he did an amazing quick finish that was outstanding quality. I highly recommend anyone who is looking at frosting to go with Paul and his team.

Designation

0800 445 568 designation.co.nz

Take this opportunity to collaborate and communicate

AS BUSINESSES RE-EMERGE into quite a different environment post-pandemic, they are looking to balance their busi ness requirements with employees’ health, safety and wellbeing. Hybrid models, where staff can split their time between working from home and in the office, are now much more wide spread and even encouraged. Whether organisations are reducing their workplace foot print or consolidating their satellite offices to lower rental expenses, premises are still in demand.

The current workforce shortage directly challenges businesses’ resil ience, and in commercial real estate, we seek to offer support in even more ways. As a board member of two North Shore business associations – Business North Harbour and Takapuna Beach Business Association – I look to connect compa nies, increase collaboration, and provide resources as much as possible.

The onset of flexible, hybrid working means that this is the time for business owners to collaborate in different ways. For example, check the arrangements for carparks with your neighbours in your building or business hub. You might have high demand on Mondays (your in-office day), which could be their low demand (work from home) day.

A business does not have to wait until its lease expires to relo cate. The current form of the Auckland District Law Society (ADLS) lease states that the tenant has a right to assign the lease or sub-lease but must obtain consent from the landlord, which cannot unreason ably be withheld. This could suit alterna tive tenants – organisations that prefer a lease with a shorter term and right of renewal to enable them to re-align their future business needs.

Check with your commercial agent what the current market rates are so that you are aware of potential total occupancy costs (rental and outgoing expenses) for your new premises. For instance, outgoing expenses (also called Opex) are likely to be higher if there is a lift in the building.

Also bear in mind that, especially with talent in scarce supply, relocating to premises with bike racks, shower facil ities, carparks, nearby public trans port, cafés and a gym (for those health bunnies!), and easy access to main arte rials will only assist in attracting new staff.

Remember, when entering into a lease agreement, we always recommend seeking legal advice before signing.

Janet Marshall is Director Commercial at Colliers North Shore office and is happy to assist with any commercial enquiries. Mob: 021 684 775 or janet.marshall@colliers.com

SILVER SPONSOR

Meeting the challenges; keeping clients top of mind

THE LAST COUPLE of years will go down in history as one of the most unpredict able periods the world has experienced. The security industry had its share of challenges as well. Still, unlike many other businesses, security was able to carry on during lockdowns and saw increased demand for its services, both manpower and technical.

With that demand, the industry was met with other types of challenges:

Challenge 1: Scaling up: The need to meet the growing demands of customers (government and private sector) revealed flaws in the alignment of people and processes and outdated systems.

Challenge 2: Staff: An unemployment rate of 3.3% resulted in difficulties finding and retaining staff. Skills and knowledge shortages increased the need for robust training practices, improved communica tion, accountability measures, and inte grated management systems.

Vanguard’s experience is no different to the rest of the industry. Conse quently, we’ve purposely spent the past 12 months gearing up and improving

our systems to maintain standards and provide customers with the service they expect when they need it most.

We’ve increased our on-road fleet; you will notice our cars all over Auck land doing their patrols.

Being systems-orien tated, we committed investment into devel oping programmes that allow us to better manage compliance, assets, data security, and our people’s needs in a way which makes commercial sense.

We now offer a new to the New Zealand market service: video verification, and can provide our customers with extra peace of mind through virtual patrols. Both of these are very cost-effective solutions.

We also invested in our staff and training. Despite the tough labour market, we have four times the staff we had before Covid.

These strategic decisions have allowed us to remain on top of our clients’ requests without compromising

on the old-fashion service we passion ately believe in.

These days we’ve never been more equipped or organised to serve you. We offer a full range of security services, including security management to portfolio-style operations, as well as customised turn-key solu tions. We have strength in finance, people, systems, know-how, and a relentless pursuit of service delivery.

We’d like to take this oppor tunity to express our grati tude to our wonderful customers for their continued support as we approach the holiday season. Thank you, and best wishes from the team at Vanguard Security.

Carwyn Winiata, Director

(09) 441-2232 info@vanguardsecurity.co.nz www.vanguardsecurity.co.nz

Food rescue on the North Shore: feed more, waste less, kai atu

WITH 11 VEHICLES on the road and five branches across the country, Kiwi Harvest is New Zealand’s largest food rescue social venture. The organisation, which has a branch in Rosedale, works with food businesses, including growers, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers, supermarkets, caterers, and retailers, to rescue the good food they cannot sell. This could be due to oversupply, damaged packaging, cancelled orders, mislabelling, or because the items are nearing their best before date or end of life.

This surplus food is then redistributed to people who really need it, including via more than 20 recipient agencies on the North Shore, such as Good Works Trust and other organisations and groups providing food support to vulnerable people in their communities.

Did you know that nearly 40 per cent of New Zealand’s population, including one in five Kiwi children, experiences some form of food poverty every week? KiwiHarvest is working hard to change this shocking statistic. Every month, KiwiHarvest rescues up to 200,000 kilos of food – the equivalent of 571,428 meals.

But KiwiHarvest’s invaluable work isn’t just focused on providing food support, as communications and administration manager Madi Walter explains. “As well as helping to feed hungry people, we’re preventing food from going to landfill, where it would produce methane as it degrades, contributing to harmful green house gas emissions. The awful truth is that 60 per cent of food that goes to landfill is still edible, which is not only wasteful in itself, but also a waste of the resources that went into producing it: water, land, energy, labour, and capital.”

If you’re a food business, consider donating your surplus stock.

“The food you can’t sell can make a genuine difference in our communities.”

Run an internal fundraising campaign or tinned food drive. “We always need non-perishables like dried pasta, rice, and canned goods. Anything with a long shelf life is good!”

Volunteer as a food rescue driver assistant.

Volunteers are an essential part of Kiwi Harvest’s operations. “We could not do half

the work we do without the dedicated souls who donate their time every week.”

Food rescue driver assistants are needed at the Rosedale depot. This role allows volunteers to see first-hand how much food is collected and the positive impact it has on the recipient organisations.

Organise a team day at the Highbrook warehouse. Help pick and sort rescued food into boxes and bags. It’s a physical activity – the boxes can weigh up to 15kgs – and it’s a great way to see the heart of the operation.

For more information about how you and your business can support KiwiHarvest, contact Harmony Ryder (operations assistant) on 0800 601 609 or email harmony.ryder@kiwiharvest.org.nz

KiwiHarvest’s achievements since its launch in 2012

Get involved! How North Harbour businesses can support KiwiHarvest.

Johan is KiwiHarvest’s food rescue driver in Rosedale

CONTINGENCY PLANNING IS not just about how to manage your business through pandemics or natural disas ters, it also helps you to manage your way through common challenges such as limits on staff capacity and business continuity when you’re short of people.

There are several scenarios that can be planned for. What to do when staff are away on leave. If there are gaps between a staff member’s resignation and finding a replacement. Or a senior manager is away for an unplanned extended period. There is one thing we know, and that is the wheels of industry cannot stop, and that it’s unlikely you can distribute addi tional workload to others on your team without adding temporary support.

The first thing to address is who can step up if a critical leadership gap exists? Know who in your team is capable, and make sure they are prepared in the event they are needed.

Review your staffing schedules. Look at who would be an alternate option to move laterally into someone else’s role. Next, identify where backup is most likely needed. As you move people

around to cover for others, you’ll obvi ously create more gaps. Understand those gaps; what skillsets will still be required? Can they be temporarily filled by part-time workers?

Job roles can morph overtime. When preparing your plan, you’ll get a clearer picture on what changes have occurred and what short-term help you will need. It doesn’t matter if it’s a senior position or an administrative role; temp workers or contractors come in many guises.

When you know who is stepping up and who you need to cover for, you can implement your plan with speed and efficiency, working collaboratively with our temp agency to quickly fill the gaps.

You bring us the problem and we’ll find the solution.

Lisa Hill Managing Director

lisa@eclipserecruitment.co.nz (09) 973 1879 w w w eclip s e rec ru it m e n t co .n z