FYI September 2014

NORTH HARBOUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEMBER NEWS AND INFORMATION

SEPTEMBER 2014

MEMBER SURVEY RESULTS What you told us PG 10 ONE DAY SALE Get ready now PG 11

WHO’S CHASING YOUR VOTE?

MANAGING PEOPLE How to do it better PG 16 HEALTH & SAFETY Law changes ahead PG 20

What the general election means for North Harbour PG 12

www.nhba.org.nz

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CONTENTS

FROM THE CHAIR Welcome to our September edition of the FYI Magazine. In this issue we feature articles on the Health and Safety Reform Bill, results of the NHBA Member Survey and tips to improve your people management skills.

With the general election taking place later this month, it was our pleasure to recently host the NHBA pre-election debate. Senior members of eight political parties took part which highlights the importance of the North Harbour region to government. It was fantastic to see so many members at this event which TVNZ covered on ONE News Tonight and Breakfast.

NHBA’s advocacy efforts continue with

recent submissions and follow-up activity on the Auckland Unitary Plan and the Upper Harbour Local Board Plan where we sought greater investment in economic development and transparency around the NHBA’s Business Improvement District (BID) contribution to the Upper Harbour Region. We also submitted on Auckland Council’s proposed parking policy changes. For more information on our advocacy activities please visit the Advocacy and Representation section of the NHBA Website (www.nbga.org.nz).

There are a number of great events coming up in the next couple of months including a NHBA Business Lunch with guest speaker Chris Quin, CEO of Spark Retail. See page nine for details.

Our 2014 AGM is scheduled for Thursday 23 October. This is your opportunity to help

NHBA shape the future of the North Harbour BID through participation at the AGM and as a future member of our Executive Committee.

We welcome enquires regarding vacancies on the Committee and encourage you to contact either myself or NHBA’s General Manager Janine Brinsdon.

On behalf of our voluntary Executive Committee Board and Operational team my thanks for your ongoing support.

Yours sincerely, Warren Kitchin CA Dip NZIM Chairman

IN THIS ISSUE 3 4 7 8 9 10 12 14

Cover Story PG 12

From The Chair In Brief Events NHBA AGM Chris Quin Business Lunch Member Survey Results Pre-Election Debate Property

15 16 18 19 20 22 23

Upper Harbour Local Board Managing People Transport Crime Prevention Health & Safety Reform Bill Associate Members Gold Sponsors

NHBA GOLD SPONSORS 2014 – 2015 trade colour print

Contact FYI Magazine General Manager - NHBA Janine Brinsdon janine.brinsdon@nhba.org.nz

Editor Ruth Le Pla ruth.lepla@xtra.co.nz

Advertising Elizabeth Devlin elizabeth.devlin@nhba.org.nz

Design Lewis Hurst lewis@hcreative.co.nz

Printer Trade Colour Print tradecolour@orcon.net.nz

North Harbour Business Association F4, 27-29 William Pickering Drive, Albany. PO Box 303 126, North Harbour 0751 Office 09 968 2222 Web www.nhba.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.

WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ FYI SEPTEMBER 2014 3

IN BRIEF

Changes Afoot When Cheriette Ede joined NHBA back in January 2011, she became just the second employee of the organisation. It was her and General Manager Janine Brinsdon in a small office in Saturn Place.

Cheriette has been part of significant changes to NHBA, and has helped grow the capacity and capability of the organisation into what it is today. However with growth comes change. NHBA needs more time than Cheriette could commit to with a busy family and so she is leaving us in September. On behalf of the executive committee, our project team and members, thanks Cheriette for all your hard work and all the best for the future.

Another New Friendly Face at NHBA NHBA welcomes new team member Moemai Robinson who joins us as our new Administration and Events Coordinator.

She’ll be the first point of contact for all member enquiries. Her responsibilities include accounts processing, events and various other tasks for the Crime Prevention and Transport Programmes.

Get to know her. She’s friendly, upbeat and a great addition to the NHBA team.

Loud Shirt Day

Wear a crazy shirt for this year’s Loud Shirt Day and help raise money for a great cause. Everyone can be a star on Friday September 19 and help deaf kids learn to listen and talk like their hearing friends.

If you’ve taken part in Loud Shirt Day before you’ll know it’s a great way to commit serious fashion crimes and have a whole lot of fun at work. And if this is your first year being involved with Loud Shirt Day, we know you’ll have a fabulous time wowing your colleagues and friends with your brightest, funkiest shirt.

Loud Shirt Day is the annual appeal of The Hearing House and the Southern Cochlear Implant Paediatric Programme. These two independent charities are dedicated to enabling deaf children with cochlear implants or hearing aids to listen and speak like their hearing peers. Neither charity charges deaf children or their families for their services.

To find out more or to sign up go to loudshirtday.org.nz

SEEING RED?

A NHBA member contacted us to share their frustration at the amount of time they were waiting at the traffic lights under the motorway bridge at Greville Road. They felt that the lights were holding up traffic for an unreasonably long time each morning. We contacted Auckland Transport on their behalf and this is what they said.

“We can reduce the period of time the long red light phase is used. Currently this is between 06.00hrs and 09.30hrs Mon-Fri. This will be changed to the period of 07.30hrs until 09.15hrs Mon-Fri. Prior to, and after, this period a shorter red light phase will be used but this will be subject to further review and adjustment if necessary.”

Many thanks to Auckland Transport for helping with this.

Robotics firm in growth mode

L

ocal company REX Bionics PLC, Auckland, has expanded its management team appointing Tracey White as its new general manager and Michael Heath as director of manufacturing. The company recently shifted into larger premises on Apollo Dr which will enable it to further expand operations.

REX Bionics uses advanced robotics to help wheelchair users gain their mobility. REX Bionics PLC (The REX Bionics Group) is the global technology leader in robotic exoskeletons. Its products help people stand, walk and

4 SEPTEMBER 2014 FYI WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ

live active lives in their community.

The REX product is a robotic exoskeleton made of mechanical legs linked by a strong hip girdle that enables a wheelchair user to stand up and walk. REX Personal™ helps users scale stairs and navigate slopes.

REX Bionics New Zealand recently completed an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange’s growth-orientated AIM market.

Tracey was previously the general manager of Siemens Healthcare New Zealand, while Michael worked at aircraft fuselage manufacturer Bombadier in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Focus on YOU Members told us in response to our survey, that they’d like to know more about new and interesting local businesses. So that’s what we’ll be doing in future issues of FYI Magazine.

If you’d like to be featured or if you have a new neighbour that you think should be profiled please email elizabeth.devlin@nhba.org.nz

IN BRIEF

Neighbour looking after neighbour

W

hen HEB Construction said it wanted to do a community project in the area, NHBA introduced its people to the full emersion education centre Nga Whare Maha Te Kohanga Reo in Ceres Court.

HEB knows that part of being a good neighbour means it’s good to share the story of the work being undertaken on the SH1 Upper Harbour Highway to Greville Road Northbound three-laning project.

So to coincide with Te Wiki o te Reo M ori (M ori Language Week), some HEB Construction staff and the NZ Transport Agency visited Nga Whare Maha Te Kohanga Reo in Rosedale, Auckland to help with their road awareness lessons.

While the full emersion education centre isn’t directly in the construction zone, the children see a lot of the construction activity HEB is undertaking on the motorway. During the

visit, the team showed the children, with the help of some big toys, how they keep people safe during construction.

Designated activity stations allowed the children to experience different aspects of road construction, from traffic management to bridge building.

“It’s great to be able to share our work with such a keen bunch of kids.”

The big machines were the crowd favourite and the children couldn’t wait to get up close to the traffic attenuator and front end loader.

The children learnt that the flashing lights on the attenuator tell motorists where to drive and road cones tell us to watch out for danger.

Not far from the big toys was the traffic management station where bike traffic was

directed by a k ti/haere sign. A lesson in bridge building was held in the sandpit using timber offcuts, while inside was a colouring-in table with pictures of heavy plant labelled in te Reo M ori and a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) dress-up box.

The PPE was such a hit that HEB donated the high-visibility vests to the Kohanga to keep the children visible on the road. To continue the road safety message, HEB created a bike circuit by painting arrows on the concrete paths to avoid accidents.

HEB’s project administrator and organiser of the visit Jan Judson said, “It’s great to be able to share our work with such a keen bunch of kids”.

The Kohanga’s administrator, Kahurangi Carter thanked HEB Construction and the NZ Transport Agency for providing a fun and educational learning experience.

WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ FYI SEPTEMBER 2014 5

IN BRIEF

Diary Dates September 7

Mooncake Event

ALBANY HOUSE, 575 ALBANY HWY, ALBANY

Celebrate the traditional Chinese mid-Autumn festival at this shared dinner and movie night. nhba.org.nz/events

10

NHBA Business Luncheon

19

KidsCan National Mufti Day

KidsCan is encouraging all schools and businesses in New Zealand to support KidsCan National Mufti Day by wearing mufti or coming up with your very own fancy dress theme to be part of this national FUNdraising event for KidsCan. kidscan.org.nz/kidscan-national-mufti-day

QBE STADIUM, STADIUM DR, ALBANY

Join us to hear Chris Quin, CEO of Spark Retail, speak about the transformation of Telecom to Spark.

Turn to page 9 of this magazine or go to nhba. org.nz/events

percent of New Zealand businesses have less than 20 employees (Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment)

19

Loud Shirt Day

Loud Shirt Day is a fun and easy way to build team spirit, have a laugh and celebrate everybody’s unique shirts while raising essential funds for The Hearing House and Southern Cochlear Implant Programme. loudshirtday.org.nz

20

2014 General Election

elections.org.nz

October 6-12 Mental Health Awareness Week

16

Cyber Security

Protect your business from the risk of cyber crime at this free security workshop – you don’t have to be an IT expert to attend. nhba.org.nz/cyber

When did you last learn something new?

When we keep learning we tend to have better mental wellbeing. The Mental Health Foundation is putting together a whole raft of ideas to help you keep learning throughout your lifetime. mentalhealth.org.nz

23

NHBA Annual General Meeting

MILLENNIUM INSTITUTE, 17 ANTARES PL, ALBANY

Join us as we report on the outcomes of the 2013/14 year. nhba.org.nz/AGM2014 To keep up to date with what’s on please see www.nhba.org.nz/events If you’d like to feature your events in future editions of the FYI Magazine please contact elizabeth.devlin@nhba.org.nz 6 SEPTEMBER 2014 FYI WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ

BY THE NUMBERS

97

14-20 Keep NZ Beautiful Clean Up Week Get involved in Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week. Groups of volunteers are needed to help keep our local patch sparkling clean. Do your bit. Volunteer today! knzbcleanupweek.co.nz

54

6 3 64

percent of Kiwi businesses with 6-19 employees have a website (Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment)

65

the number of businesses registered for last year’s One Day Sale

313m+ registered members of LinkedIn worldwide, including over 1 million in New Zealand

3.1

percent real GDP growth in New Zealand for the year ended 31 March 2014 (New Zealand Trade and Enterprise)

EVENTS Helen Robinson

New technology & business basics

AFTER 5 NHBA After Five Event at The Spencer on Byron Hotel, 31 July 2014

D

igital expert Helen Robinson has called on NHBA members to stay up to date with technology trends and think about how they can tap into the advantages of unfolding new technologies. Speaking at a recent NHBA business breakfast at the QBE Stadium, she also reminded us all that business basics such as focusing on the needs of customers remain unchanged.

In a wide-ranging and comprehensive speech on the future of digital, Helen outlined the megatrends driving changes in the cloud environment, mobile, social media, apps and big data.

In a world in which “everything is being digitised”, she said the cloud will account for a third of all global IT budgets this year, New Zealand smartphone adoption rose from 13 percent in 2011 to 60 percent in 2013, and some 82 billion apps were downloaded round the planet last year.

Helen, who has an extensive track-record in both New Zealand and international technology-related enterprises, said innovation remains key.

“But the same old business approach and standards still apply... Data, security, knowledge and intelligence are critical… and they always have been.”

NHBA general manager Janine Brinsdon reiterated the need for NHBA members to ensure they are thinking in new ways while continuing to conduct their businesses in ways that work best for their customers.

Alexia Pauling, Robyn de Bruin-Judge, Roseanne de Bruin

Chris Wright, Jamie Barr, Ken Pater

son, John Gold

e Stevenson and

Francine Kwok, Le

Janine Brinsdo

Nicky Lukar

n and Stephe

n James

Leanne Coste, Dayna Rickett and Paul Douglas

er Lisa Jones, Heath Mills, Jon Horne

mbe

ober t Elco

ans and R Russell Ev

Rohan MacMah

on, Edgar Moor e, Paul Hunter

Byron Greybe and Jaksone Wallbank from Management Accountan ts

3D printer demo

Walid Bayoud and

Leon Norris, lucky

door prize winner

NHBA member Network Pro hosted a demonstration of 3D printing.

Guy Ellwood from Tasman and Paul Fossi Machinery

Wayne Ridgway from Network and Elisa McLennan from ESR Group

n Bezuidenhout

Wikus Erasmus and Dea

WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ FYI SEPTEMBER 2014 7

EVENTS

ADVANCE NOTICE:

North Harbour Business Association (Inc) AGM (23 October 2014)

O

ver the coming month the executive team at North Harbour Business Association (NHBA) will be completing the Annual Report for 2013/14 for presentation to our members and finalising our plans for the coming three years.

NHBA’s Chair, Warren Kitchin set the scene for the Association’s drive and core activities which we will report to at this year’s AGM, in his 2013 Chair Report. Warren summarised, ”Our focus for the three years ahead is to consolidate operations at our expanded scale, and maintain and enhance our relationships with members, key stakeholders and sponsors.

The aim is to provide a strong voice for our members and influence key decision-makers in matters that affect our region and local business environment. The resultant NHBA programmes will continue to be relevant and of value to our members.”

At the AGM you will receive a concise finan-

cial and operational summary of the past twelve months. We will update the core programme goals and objectives over the next two to three years, and highlight how these link into the regional and central government strategy.

It is our intent to present resolutions for proposed changes to the Association’s constitution. Details of the proposed changes will be circulated on or before 1 October 2014.

Please contact NHBA if your email, postal or physical delivery address have changed, or will change before this date so that you are kept informed.

We expect 2014-2017 to be a very exciting period for our organisation as we continue to grow our activities and create further influence through scale. The AGM will provide you with the opportunity to elect members of the NHBA Executive Committee who will provide leadership and governance on behalf of NHBA’s 4,000+ members during this next stage of the organi-

A big thankyou to the 2013-2014 Board Members as elected at the 2013 AGM Ken Paterson, Jenny Watson, Dominic Sutton, Heather Stonyer, Rod Large, Janet Marshall, Warren Kitchin, Terry Zouch, Geoff Ashenden, Tracy Meyer, Kevin Moore, Brenden Rolston. Inset: Greg Frittelli 8 SEPTEMBER 2014 FYI WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ

sation’s development. If you have expertise in governance and strategy, and wish to contribute to the economic growth of the North Harbour region, please contact our General Manager – Janine Brinsdon – to arrange an introductory briefing on the Executive Committee’s structure and activities. Nominations for the Executive Committee will close 13 October 2014.

SAVE THE DATE AGM 2014

When: 4.30pm, Thursday 23 October 2014 Where: AUT Millennium Institute, 17 Antares Pl, Albany RSVP: janine.brinsdon@nhba.org.nz More information: nhba.org.nz

EVENTS

Chris Quin Business Lunch

J

oin us on 10 September to hear guest speaker Spark Retail CEO Chris Quin at the next NHBA Business Lunch. Chris is talking on the highly timely topic: “Igniting Spark: from traditional telco to digital services company, and what that means for New Zealand businesses”.

This is your chance to hear about the strategy behind the inception of Spark and how the old Telecom is being transformed. Chris will share insights into the decision to rebrand.

Chris leads the team at Spark Home, Mobile and Business, who provide New Zealanders with access to technology in new and innovative ways at home and to help their businesses succeed.

The information he will share could provide valuable ideas on how to transform your business.

Chris says he has always been inspired by customers’ desire for technology to drive change and opportunity. For him, success is all about Spark becoming a world-class, truly customer-inspired organisation. The business is now growing again due to new services and strong customer acquisition.

This NHBA business lunch provides great opportunities for you to meet other local business people for networking and business development.

To book a table, please email elizabeth.devlin@nhba.org.nz

Chris took on his current role in 2012, previously holding a number of roles in the company, including managing the merger and creation of Gen-i (now Spark Digital) and then serving as its CEO. Chris has been with the company since 1991 following a stint at Mitel as Chief Financial Officer, and Financial Accountant at Orica.

In keeping with his passion for New Zealand’s future, he is the Chair of business growth organisation The Icehouse and actively participates in the start-up industry.

SAVE THE DATE When: 12pm – 2pm, Wednesday 10 September Where: QBE Stadium, (formerly North Harbour Stadium), Albany RSVP: tinyurl.com/odyqw37 Cost: One complimentary ticket per NHBA member. Additional member guests are welcome - $40 + GST. Non-NHBA members are welcome - $55 + GST.

NHBA MEMBER SURVEY

Member Survey Results Thank you to everyone who completed our recent member survey. We recognise that business needs change as the economy and business environment develops. The information you provided will be used to shape NHBA’s future programmes and services.

Conducted throughout May, June and July, the survey reviews member programmes and services to ensure the North Harbour business district remains a dynamic and effective business area.

Transport

Crime Prevention

• Transport continues to be a focus area

• Members place high importance on the

for members.

• Key priorities for members are to reduce traffic congestion and minimise access delays at key entry and exit points.

• Members would like to have more real-time commuter information.

• 70% of respondents want NHBA to assess the feasibility of shuttle buses around the area.

• 94% of respondents want NHBA to continue to facilitate public meetings with transport agencies.

• 92% of respondents would like NHBA to continue to advocate on behalf of members to improve parking and road safety in the area.

NHBA members can access improved traffic information with the upgraded network of six traffic cameras operational in the first week of September. A further two new cameras will be added in the coming months pending council approval. See nhba.org.nz/traffic

This is what you told us:

NHBA-sponsored security patrols. We will continue to provide this service to our members.

• 76% of respondents said they’d like to receive a monthly summary of the NHBA security patrols.

• Members also highly value access to NZ Police and 74% would like to receive regular updates from the Police. We will continue to develop this.

Did you know every edition of the FYI Magazine includes a column from North Shore Police? You’ll find it in the Crime Prevention section.

• Members say they would like more crime prevention training, particularly on cyber security, and health and safety.

NHBA has developed a partnership with NetSafe and Connect Smart from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. We will continue to provide NHBA members learning opportunities, focusing on these topics to start with.

Over the past month Raimond Donk has facilitated a series of workshops on cyber security delivered by expert Chris Hails of NetSafe. For more information see www.nhba.org.nz/cyber

Advocacy I want NHBA to continue to facilitate public meetings with NZTA, Auckland Transport and local government agencies on key transport infrastructure investment 100%

94%

90%

• Member priorities are: • For NHBA to advocate for continued Auckland Council and National Government investment in North Harbour.

• For NHBA to provide a voice for North Harbour business/property owners with the Upper Harbour Local Board.

• Members also indicated they would like to

80%

continue to receive information and attend public meetings on key legislative changes.

70% 60%

We will continue to represent our members through submissions and hearings.

50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

6%

0%

No

Yes

Members have overwhelmingly indicated that they would like NHBA to continue to facilitate public meetings with transport agencies.

10 SEPTEMBER 2014 FYI WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ

CONGRATULATIONS to Philip Gobbie from Insurance Design Group who won our prize draw for completing the survey.

Philip wins an iPad Mini.

NHBA MEMBER SURVEY

Networking, Business Connectivity and Member Communication

Access to ongoing business recycling services plus inorganic collections (twice a year) 70%

64% 60%

• Members’ highest priorities in this area are connecting with local businesses and receiving regular communications.

• Respondents are happy with the current

50%

40%

number of events each year.

• They are also happy to receive five issues of the FYI Magazine per year and they’d like to see more of the following content:

• General business trends and news • Local issues • New businesses entering North

30%

23% 20%

13% 10%

0%

Yes

Harbour area

We will work towards providing more of this content, a new section profiling a new or interesting local business will be launched in the next edition of FYI.

Get More For Your Business • Members’ priorities are: • Seminars and workshops (31%) • Access to new technology (30%) • Access to special interest groups (28%) • The key seminar/workshop topics they’d

Maybe

Most respondents are supportive of ongoing recycling services and a twice yearly inorganic collection

Thank you NHBA General Manager Janine Brinsdon says NHBA strives to provide relevant services to members. “The feedback in this survey is important to how we shape those services. We are constantly evolving our programmes to reflect the changing needs of business. This information will be used to ensure NHBA resources are focused in areas where members will benefit most.”

One Day Sale

like covered are:

• Sales and marketing • People management

I

t’s big and it’s back. The One Day Sale is a huge North Harbour consumer shopping event giving businesses of all kinds the chance to clear stock, sell samples and seconds, and promote current product ranges.

On Saturday 15 November, for one day only, NHBA is encouraging businesses to throw open their doors for this massive consumer shopping event. This is your chance to be part of a landmark North Harbour event in the lead up to Christmas. This could be the push you need to hit your sales targets before the end of the year.

We’re asking as many businesses as possible to take part.

Even if you are a manufacturer or wholesaler not normally open to the public, we’d like you on board. NHBA will be engaging in a multi-channel marketing plan to drive consumers to the area.

Last year’s inaugural event was a resounding success. Shoppers were excited by the bargains they’d bagged and were amazed by the range of outlets in our area. Businesses were happy with their sales and excited to have attracted so many new customers.

Some businesses offered discounts on current season stock while others bought in a loss leader product to sell on the day and drive traffic to their outlet.

We recently hosted a human resources training seminar.

See page 16 for a summary of what was covered.

• Members want access to more information on the changing face of broadband, in particular ultra fast broadband

• 52% of respondents would like access to industry specific/cluster groups.

• 64% of respondents support ongoing recycling service and a biannual inorganic collection.

Funding has been received for NHBA to conduct a feasibility study into improved rubbish and recycling options for members.

No

15 N ovem b

er

For more information and to register for this year’s One Day Sale go to nhba.org.nz/onedaysale WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ FYI SEPTEMBER 2014 11

NHBA 2014 PRE-ELECTION DEBATE

Who’s chasing your vote?

What the general election means for North Harbour

ACT

ACT is the only party to have always supported lower taxes, less regulation and greater openness to foreign trade and investment. Other political parties are just beginning to realise how important these goals are to New Zealand businesses.

The greatest inhibitors of innovation and growth are government taxes and regulation.

Less taxation and regulation, as proposed in ACT’s Alternative Budget, will achieve a two percent increase in growth each year above current forecasts, doubling New Zealand’s wealth in 15 years.

Government activities are funded by taxes. Governments should be restricted to providing public goods that would otherwise be undersupplied by commercial and voluntary enterprises.

Presently they’re not and New Zealanders are over-taxed as a consequence.

ACT has always supported a low, flat tax regime. We would have no taxes on capital, and a flat income tax and a sales tax (GST) at the same rate. Initially, our policy is to flatten the tax structure by bringing the top rate of tax down to 24 percent. Ultimately, ACT’s policy is to bring the top rate down to 12.5 percent.

Relieving the regulatory burden placed on New Zealanders and their businesses is one of the most urgent objectives that any government should have.

Previous periods of deregulation greatly improved economic efficiency and overall welfare.

It’s time to make deregulation a priority again.

12 SEPTEMBER 2014 FYI WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ

Conservative

The Conservative Party is your chance to vote for a party that will not ignore the people of New Zealand when they hold a referendum. Five out of five referenda have been ignored because the politicians have forgotten they are there to serve us. New Zealanders want a smaller more efficient government and made this clear when they voted for a reduction in the number of MPs (82 percent). Of course the politicians ignored the vote despite it being overwhelming. The Conservative Party will not hold back from doing what you wanted when you voted for a smaller government. We are standing for fewer MPs and less tax. Stand for something this election and vote for the Conservative Party to make this happen.

Internet MANA Internet MANA is an alliance between the Internet Party and MANA Movement, working together to strengthen the voice for change this election.

MANA Movement fights for an end to poverty and injustice and to restore faith in an inclusive Tiriti-based society. The Internet Party is an innovative change agent that seizes the opportunities of New Zealand’s digital future, delivering jobs, knowledge and a greater voice for all. Weaving the two strands of community and technology together we are a force for transforming the future of New Zealand. Internet MANA asks that you give your party vote to Internet MANA.

Meeting the candidates

Labour Party

Our economic package includes universal KiwiSaver which will deepen capital markets and lower the cost of capital, a capital gains tax excluding the family home to encourage business investment based on the profitability of the enterprise, research and development tax credit and accelerated depreciation to encourage innovation and investment in productivity improvements.

Changes to monetary policy will also help the productive sector while maintaining control of inflation. Improvements in productivity are the long-term determinant of the success of our economy.

Our policies will grow the New Zealand economy and improve your businesses. Our alternative budget shows our policies are fully costed and we will run surpluses. When last in government we ran nine surpluses and reduced net government debt to zero. Our housing policy will address both demand and supply. It is the failure of current government policy that has seen the average house price rise by $200,000 to $698,000 which is a substantial reason behind the Reserve Bank’s loan to valuation ratio restrictions and interest rate increases above international norms.

NHBA 2014 PRE-ELECTION DEBATE

B

roadcast journalist Rachel Smalley chaired NHBA’s lively 2014 Pre-Election Debate. NHBA members got to hear direct from senior politicians from eight major parties about their policies and their possible impact on local business. The wide-ranging debate covered capital gains tax, housing affordability, transport links, land ownership, foreign ownership of assets, M ori co-investment, education, unemployment and more.

FYI Magazine also asked each party to tell us the one key reason why business and commercial property owners in the North Harbour Business Improvement District should vote for them. This is what they had to say.

Maori Party

Business and property owners in the North Harbour Business Improvement District may not consider that they would have much in common with the M ori Party. They may not realise that our goals – where we want wh nau to be the best that they can be, living in our beautiful country supported by an equitable and sustainable health system, with access to affordable, quality education and gainfully employed – may also be their goals. We want wh nau to be able to restore the essence of who they are so our country cannot just grow, but thrive.

While much of our community whom we engage with are M ori, we are kaupapa-driven and believe that a vote for our party will help to ensure that our country continues to grow for everyone. Iwi are major contributors to the economy and owners of large natural resources.

We have produced a M ori Economic Strategy, He Kai Kei Aku Ringa, to address the drivers that underpin investment in iwi/ M ori. Our party will continue to grow iwi/M ori participation in the economy by providing opportunity for Iwi Infrastructure/ M ori Economic Consortiums to contribute to the development of the country.

National

Through responsible economic and fiscal management, National has built a platform for sustainable growth. A growing economy supports more jobs and higher wages. It provides opportunities for families, and it pays for public services New Zealanders rely on.

We have made significant progress in delivering more jobs and higher incomes, and we have one of the highest growth rates among the world’s developed economies.

Businesses are investing, and our export sector is posting record results despite the disruption in international markets and a high exchange rate.

Through our Business Growth Agenda, National is implementing policies that encourage businesses to invest and grow, and hire more people.

We want to continue this agenda and help more Kiwi firms internationalise and sell their products overseas, encourage more innovation particularly in the hi-tech sector, upskill Kiwis, continue investment in infrastructure, and make it easier to raise capital.

National has focused on what really matters to New Zealanders.

Under strong leadership, stable government policies, and with the hard work and entrepreneurship of New Zealanders, we are seeing results.

We want to lock in these gains and see sustained growth continue. If we keep going, New Zealand will keep growing.

UnitedFuture

UnitedFuture is a party that delivers on its promises. We delivered the first business tax cuts in 20 years and did so under a Labour government by making MMP work.

Every election, parties and politicians promise so much but fail to deliver because they cannot work with the other parties to achieve their goal. UnitedFuture is respected for its ability to see past the ideology of politics, and focus on issues and solutions.

Over the past 12 years we have worked alongside National, Labour and other parties to abolish gift duty, deliver both personal and business tax cuts, improve access to medicines and make public-private partnerships work. We gave families and the environment a voice in government and balanced their needs to help build a strong and stable economy.

UnitedFuture believes in a free market where possible and regulation only when necessary.

We want a government that supports people and business by creating opportunities for all New Zealanders with a strong focus on community.

A vote for UnitedFuture will ensure that we can deliver more for businesses and our communities while continuing to maintain a strong economy and stable government.

Rachel Smalley

Green Party

No information supplied

New Zealand First New Zealand First were invited to take part in the Pre-Election Debate. Despite agreeing to participate, their candidate failed to attend. As a result, their information has been omitted.

Authorised by Jonathan Coleman, 15 Rawene Rd, Birkenhead

For more information about the election debate, including the results of a straw poll run on the night, go to tinyurl.com/pqgvkrp WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ FYI SEPTEMBER 2014 13

PROPERTY

Web Drive on Apollo Drive Success spells the need for new expanded premises for local business Web Drive which has just moved into a new landmark building on Apollo Drive.

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stablished on just $500 by five friends in 1997, Web Drive now employs 50 staff and supports 25,000 customers.

It’s New Zealand’s largest web hosting provider, helping deliver everything from the smallest websites to large-scale web infrastructure projects.

Eleven years ago the company – which is proudly 100 percent New Zealand owned and operated – was one of the country’s first competitive .NZ registrars. More recently, it was the first kiwi company to launch a true self-service cloud.

The local company has already won two Deloitte Fast50 awards, was a finalist in the Hi-Tech Awards as Employer of Choice and remains New Zealand’s only Internet Corpora-

tion for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) accredited domain registrar.

Web Drive started business in a 113m2 office. It has now leased the new 1250m2 design build office at 78 Apollo Drive. The building is located within the Interplex-managed area of the North Harbour Business Improvement District. It is a modern, singlelevel high-spec office with 50 onsite car parks. The property overlooks a reserve which ensures the neighbouring green space will be preserved.

“The business that chooses to make 78 Apollo Drive its home will be rubbing shoulders with well-known names such as Ingram Micro, Makita, Signature Homes, Conferenz, Korbond, Burger King, NZ Post and Pearson,” say Janet

Marshall and Ryan de Zwart of Colliers International who facilitated the lease.

“This is a new, though well-established, business locality which enjoys strong demand from investors and tenants, and has experienced low vacancy levels. The area benefits from its closeness to the Albany Westfield shopping centre, Event Cinemas, North Harbour Stadium, Massey University and a diverse range of other businesses.”

Janet and Ryan say: “This location has experienced considerable growth over recent years, primarily because of its excellent transport links. The growing traffic congestion in Auckland has also created demand for more industrial employment opportunities on the North Shore.”

UPPER HARBOUR LOCAL BOARD

Plans & playing fields

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pper Harbour Local Board members would like to thank you for taking the time to give us feedback on our draft local board plan. At the time of writing we are processing over 100 submissions and will be using the information to shape our final threeyear plan.

Economic development is a key outcome in our draft plan and it will continue to be a major focus in the final document.

While the local board plan process has been the board’s main focus over the past few months, we have not forgotten some great local wins for our community.

Over the past two months the local board has met several major project milestones. We have officially opened the new $2.5 million artificial playing field at QBE Stadium Domain.

The artificial turf is the first on the North Shore available for community use and we are very pleased to deliver this project for locals and sports clubs to enjoy.

Providing quality sports and recreation facilities is a big priority of the local board, now and in the future.

Upper Harbour Local Board

YOUR VOICE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

Priorities

Local Board Plan 2011

Photographer Jay Farnworth.

Rippa Rugby World Cup 2011

and will urge for the use of grass surfaces, funding for the council to introduce equitable advocate for artificial surfaces. We will also lease charges the continuation of peppercorn of our schools for community groups. Some We will work with fields. have excellent playing trustees to discuss schools and their boards of their fields. This enabling community use of areas and we will is a council model in other Upper Harbour. investigate rolling it out in growing pressures We are acutely aware of the believe that on our sports fields. We firmly should be sport anyone who wants to play of sports able to do so, and the availability this. Unfortunately, fields should not constrain due to poor often games are cancelled too In coming years, weather and overuse of fields. is likely to worsen as our population grows, this address. must we considerably. It is something the use of artificial To fix this we will promote and build an Facilities sports surfaces where possible, We will work closely with Regional within the Albany and our artificial surface training field Auckland, North Harbour Stadium northern the next two years. The exact in the build to catchment community stakeholders determined. location for this is yet to be aquatic park as soon as possible. park, with Sanders Reserve is a showcase trails, a fenced paRkS aND OUTDOOR RECREaTION beginner cycling and equestrian and a newly we have off-leash dog exercise area, Due to our recent strong growth, facility. There is the outdoor areas, constructed multi-purpose a good number of parks and be can family-orientated these best cases chance for this to be the but we think that in some for specific trekking destination mountain biking and horse better used and further developed unknown. We precinct planning in Auckland, but it is relatively purposes. We strongly support facilities here to recreation facilities, will promote the tracks and for sub-regional sport and Harbour and timely and equitable encourage visitors from Upper to ensure that provision is advocate for across Auckland. for all sporting codes. We will quo in not charging continuation of the status

ThE NORThERN aqUaTIC paRk

T pROVIDING hIGh-qUaLITY SpOR aND RECREaTION FaCILITIES WhILE STRIVING TO TO bE a pREMIER SpORTS pRECINCT, UppER haRbOUR WILL CONTINUE ThE ExCELLENT FaCILITIES WE aRE RENOWNED FOR. FURThER DEVELOp aND aDVaNCE that we that our area offers. It is important precinct in sports facilities pper Harbour is a key sports continue to provide high-quality is To this end, we Auckland. Elite sports and recreation the as needed and when feasible. region (see tion plan to assess a key economic driver of our will prepare an implementa businesses with deliver on our next priority, Providing our our community’s needs and but of the best environment in Auckland), is their aspirations by prioritising projects. equal importance to our community serve a wider Our residents are We recognise that our assets own sport and recreation. residents and are recreation and community than just our own heavily involved in sports and come to Upper network of parks proud of the fact that people they make regular use of our engage in recreation. to the Northern Harbour to play sport and and walkways. We are home Auckland Council Harbour Rugby, We will work to ensure that Football Federation, North sub-regional which Council, recognises this difference between and the North Harbour Sports across 23 and that our sub-regional members facilities, local 100,000 and over represents funding. Likewise, Harbour area. We facilities attract appropriate different sports in the North facilities and assets regional hockey we recognise the sporting host an international stadium, host such as the netball themselves boards, will other that by hosted centres and softball North Shore Events coming years, the courts in Northcote and the world championships in the facilities, and Health, the Centre’s basketball and gymnastics Millennium Institute of Sports good use. We BMX club, and three of which our residents make Tennis Northern facility, a together with our are committed to working pony clubs. to ensure all our neighbouring local boards place great value to have access to top quality Our board and our community continue residents have, and the in the wonderful facilities we sports and recreational facilities. and informal sport choice between organised

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building the northern Our number one priority is stadium. This has aquatic park at North Harbour Our community been put off for far too long.

It will be an clearly wants it to go ahead. facility, important sub-regional recreational but for the North not just for Upper Harbour, than just a swimming Shore. And it will be more for family days pool. It will be a destination Situated at the out as well as a training facility. located close stadium, it will be conveniently a focus of Albany. to the shopping centre and Institute for We recognise that the Millennium construct their Sport and Health will shortly and note own pool. We support its completion, sports, it that as a centre for elite swimming with, our will complement, and not compete cused recreation-fo and centred communitynorthern aquatic park.

17 Greenhithe aerial view

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Regionally there has been a lot of discussion around Auckland Council’s Long-term Plan. The 10-year budget will be developed in consultation with Aucklanders.

In August the mayor announced his proposal to set the direction for the plan. The next step is for the council to adopt a draft Long-term Plan (which covers a 10 year period and is reviewed every three years) in December to go

out for consultation in January and February 2015.

This will be an opportunity for you to prioritise what is most important locally and regionally.

You can visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more information.

Brian Neeson, Chairperson, Upper Harbour Local Board

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT_HR

How to improve your people management skills NHBA’s recent HR training session focused on successful interview techniques and the 90 day trial rules.

Presenters from Eclipse Recruitment and Simpson Western, both NHBA gold sponsor organisations, share some of their key points in their summaries below.

Running a Successful Interview

The 90 Day Trial Period

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Lisa Hill, Managing Director, Eclipse Recruitment he interview forms a key part of the recruitment process. It’s your opportunity to understand the background, experience and personality of your applicants, how they will fit with your team culture, what they will bring to the role and how that will benefit your business.

Below are the key steps to ensure you run a successful interview and gain relevant information to make a good recruitment decision.

Preparation It’s important to have clearly defined role objectives and responsibilities and to understand the skill set and personality fit required to meet those objectives and perform successfully.

We recommend you prepare tailored interview forms and use the same interview questions for each applicant. This will enable you to match the interview structure and questions to the level of the role as well as compare ‘apples with apples’ when making your decision. Also conduct a thorough CV review so that you are prepared with relevant job history questions for each applicant.

Interview structure Ideally you should follow a standard interview structure for everyone you see. Again, this will allow you to easily compare candidates at the end of the interview process and make an informed decision.

Remember to keep your candidates talking 60-70 percent of the time.

Interview questions Asking open-ended questions the majority of the time will allow you to gather as much information as possible. Use a mix of situational and behavioural questions as well as ensuring that you explore what the candidates want in a new role.

Finally, remember this is your opportunity to promote your role and company so that you can secure the best candidate in the market.

If you would like to learn more about running a successful interview we run complimentary interview workshops to members of the North Harbour Business Association. To find out more please contact Lisa Hill on 09 478 0110 or email lisa@eclipserecruitment.co.nz.

16 SEPTEMBER 2014 FYI WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ

Bridget Wood, Senior Solicitor, Simpson Western he 90 day trial period is a helpful tool for employers to ‘test out’ new employees. However there are strict legal requirements that must be satisfied for an employer to rely on the 90 day trial period.

Employers can be ‘tripped up’ following a dismissal within the first 90 days, if they have failed to meet these requirements and may find themselves defending a personal grievance for ‘unjustified dismissal’ – precisely what they were seeking to avoid by including a 90 day trial period in an employment agreement.

Key points to be aware of:

• A prospective employee should always be advised of the 90 day trial at the time any offer of employment (verbal or written) is made;

• Specific wording must be contained within the employment agreement for the provision to be valid;

• The employment agreement must be signed prior to the employee commencing work (signing on the first day will be too late);

• The provision can only be used for new employees (not for anyone previously employed by the employer); and

• It is not to be confused with a ‘probation period’ (which can be used in conjunction with 90 day trial periods, but the usual fair process must be followed for termination within a ‘probation’ period ).

Sounds simple? Unfortunately small errors of wording and/or timing can lead to the 90 day trial period clause in an agreement being deemed invalid. As such, it is important to have a clear understanding of the strict criteria that must be met.

We advise employers to always seek advice well in advance of offering employment to a prospective employee to ensure they will be covered and can confidently rely on the 90 day trial period clause if it becomes necessary.

To find out more, please contact Bridget Wood at Simpson Western on 09 489 0751 or email bridgetw@simpsonwestern.co.nz

TRANSPORT

Brief Briefs After consulting with local businesses Auckland Transport (AT) will be making changes to the intersection of Ceres Court and Antares Place. Yellow lines will be put in place and the intersection will now be controlled by a give way sign.

As part of the consultation process, feedback was sought from those directly affected by this proposal. Just over 80 percent of those who responded were in favour of the changes with 17 percent against. AT took into account the concerns from businesses about the loss of car parking spaces and reduced the yellow lines to keep one extra space.

Auckland Transport (AT) recently consulted on three areas where improvements to safety and visibility on Triton Drive were needed. There was a good level of feedback from NHBA members. As a result of the feedback and meetings with NHBA, AT has revised its original plans. It has reduced the yellow lines in two of the three locations in order to allow for more car parking spaces to remain. The changes have been made on the junction of Triton and Arrenway Drive (four spaces saved) and at 7 Triton Drive (two spaces saved). The plans for 18 Triton Drive remain unchanged as the original proposal was the minimum safety requirement.

Thanks to all those businesses who took the time to respond to AT.

Need more parking spaces?

Life Church, based in Arrenway Drive, would like to have some extra car spaces for its evergrowing congregation. So it’s offering businesses in the area the chance to use its parking spaces from Monday to Friday and, in exchange, churchgoers ask to use the business’ car park spaces on a Sunday. NHBA is keen to promote this parking brokerage.

If you’d like to be part of this swap please contact Brigid Rogers, transport@nhba.org.nz or phone 09 968 2222.

18 SEPTEMBER 2014 FYI WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ

Update on the Albany Highway North Upgrade Auckland Transport (AT) is due to start its long-anticipated Albany Highway North upgrade in October.

AT’s biggest roading project on the North Shore since the Northern Busway will see the highway more than double in capacity, with a new transit lane in each direction, on- and off-road cycle routes and wider footpaths, a new bridge over the Oteha Stream and replacement of three major roundabouts with signalised intersections.

The 3.8km stretch of highway to be upgraded extends from the Schnapper Rock Road/Bush Road intersection in the south to the Albany Expressway in the north. Construction is expected to take two and a half years to complete.

The project design is complete and Fulton Hogan have just been appointed as the contractor.

AT will be holding public information days prior to construction. These events offer the opportunity to meet the project team, view plans and ask questions. Details will be advertised in the near future.

For more information and updates visit www.AT.govt.nz/albanyhighway

Draft Parking Discussion Submission A brief update on Auckland Council’s Draft Parking Discussion Document: NHBA has reflected the views of members in a report to Auckland Transport.

Our 13-page submission says a one-size-fits-all approach to parking applied across Auckland Council’s jurisdictions would not work for the NHBA Business Improvement District (BID) area as our parking demands are quite different to those of a town centre or metropolitan area.

We state that the parking strategy needs to be amended to reflect the parking requirements of light/heavy industrial and general business zones.

NHBA has suggested a separate section is established in the strategy document for Business Zones. This would address the specific parking problems for such areas, and list the possible solutions (parking regimes and tools) that could be implemented.

We pointed out that many issues within the North Harbour BID area are caused by commuters travelling through the area to the CBD and beyond. Parking issues around the successful park and ride sites are also causing problems for NHBA members.

The majority of demand in the area is for all-day parking because at present there are no real alternatives for the estimated 24,000 employees.

(For more background on this issue see the article on page nine of the July FYI Magazine.)

If you’d like to see a full copy of our submission sent to Auckland Transport on your behalf go to tinyurl.com/khmgxdz

Apollo Drive – no more yellow lines just yet After public consultation Auckland Transport (AT) has decided not to put in any yellow lines in Apollo Drive at this stage.

AT had been proposing some new yellow lines to improve the flow of traffic along the road. Three areas were to be affected with a total loss of about ten car park spaces. This is what AT told NHBA via email: “Auckland Transport is currently investigating the provision for additional capacity at the park and ride stations situated on the North Shore. This will enable alternative provision of parking in an area where parking is currently limited. Having reviewed all the feedback from businesses, there is efficiency for capacity in removing these spaces but until there is alternative provision for parking, or a more suitable and sustainable way of travelling to and from work, we do not believe that this should be pursued at this time. If the congestion persists we will revisit these proposed efficiency improvements to reduce congestion for the surrounding network.”

Thanks to all those who sent in submissions to Auckland Transport.

CRIME PREVENTION

Don’t tempt the thieves

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e have all been guilty of leaving our bags in the foot well of the car while we quickly clear the mail or call into the dairy to buy milk. Many also admit to leaving phones and sunglasses on the consoles when going into a business meeting. A more extreme example recently was where a brand new X-Box was left in full view on the back seat of a shopping mall car-park with the windows left slightly down so that the X-Box wouldn’t get too hot.

Every year NHBA spends around $150,000 on minimising the levels of criminal activity within your business community. However, please make sure you do your part. Please do not leave yourself or your property exposed for people who don’t have the same values as you, to steal your valuables. Please take a few minutes to make sure highly portable and valuable items are not visible. It’s a simple thing but will save you hours, money, stress and also the inconvenience of trying to replace something that is valuable to you but might be sold for a pittance on the black market.

If you need advice as to how to keep your vehicles safe, please contact Raimond Donk, NHBA’s Crime Prevention Programme Manager, on 021 560 287.

Pallet Reuse Programme A new NHBA pallet reuse programme will help combat crime, share resources and maintain a clean and safe environment. Wooden pallets left lying around could pose a crime risk to businesses. They can be used as fuel for arsonists or stacked to help thieves gain access to high windows.

We understand some NHBA members have more pallets than they need while, equally, there are members who need good quality pallets for their businesses.

So, in conjunction with Keep NZ Beautiful Clean Up Week, NHBA is launching an ongoing pallet reuse programme. The programme will run on the NHBA website in a community notice board style section. Members can post details of their excess good quality pallets for people who need them.

For more information see www.nhba.org.nz/pallets

Remove your valuables While overall crime has been trending down we are still seeing spikes in some types of crime from time to time. Once again, we are seeing a rise in incidents of items being taken from vehicles (theft ex vehicle) while drivers are at work or visiting in the NHBA area.

We all know how easy it is to place your laptop bag or other high-value item onto the rear seat when you leave the office, then not give it a second thought as you duck into a premise for

a little while. Valuables left in full sight are an invitation for the opportunistic criminal to take what does not belong to them. Apart from the obvious loss of the item, which may have some irreplaceable content in it, there is the loss of the insurance no claim bonus and the inconvenience of fixing the window.

NHBA is putting up “Lock your car – Remove your valuables” signs throughout the business district as a reminder.

In early October we generally experience a rise in offences such as theft ex cars and general thefts. So please take a minute to

Local Alcohol Policy NHBA will be appearing at a hearing on 19 September, to speak to our submission on the proposed Local Alcohol Policy. If you are a licensed premise, club or involved in the hospitality industry, and want to discuss how the proposed changes will impact on your business, please contact NHBA’s Crime Prevention Programme Manager Raimond Donk 021 560 287.

A safe & clean North Harbour Take part in Keep NZ Beautiful Clean Up Week and help maintain a safe and clean working environment. Every year, thousands of everyday Kiwis get involved with Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week when individuals, businesses, schools and groups get out into their communities and help to clean up their local patch. This year’s event runs from September 14 to 20 and NHBA members are encouraged to get involved in North Harbour.

It’s easy to organise an event in your area.

Just register on the www.knzbcleanupweek. co.nz website which also has all the necessary event guides. Keep New Zealand Beautiful will send you gloves, rubbish and recycling bags, plus certificates and badges for the kids.

You can make it a private event, just for people you know, or make it public so anyone can join in.

NHBA is keen to promote businesses who take part in Keep NZ Beautiful Clean Up Week. So please let us know if you get involved by emailing raimond.donk@nhba.org.nz

ensure you do everything you can to put your items of value out of easy reach of thieves.

The old adage “prevention is better than cure” still stands true.

Senior Sergeant Scott Cunningham, Youth & Communities Prevention Manager, North Shore | Waitemata District | New Zealand Police. Safer Communities Together.

If you have any security concerns please contact Raimond Donk at NHBA 09 968 2222 or Community Constable Troy Williamson on 09 477 5000.

WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ FYI SEPTEMBER 2014 19

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT_LEGAL

Major changes ahead The Health and Safety Reform Bill brings a significant overhaul of health and safety obligations. Start thinking now about what it could mean for your business. Simpson Western Partner Candice Murphy explains what to expect.

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he Health & Safety Reform Bill currently before Parliament is heralded as the greatest change to Health & Safety Law in New Zealand for more than 20 years. Once enacted it will replace the current Health & Safety in Employment Act 1992.

The Bill was introduced to parliament on 9 May 2014, is expected to be passed by the end of this year and to come into force on 1 April 2015. It has the support of both major parties and so is likely to be passed relatively unchanged regardless of the outcome of the 2014 elections.

The result is that there are major changes ahead – not only for business but also for business owners, senior management and directors. This article will focus on:

• Who holds the primary duties under the Bill.

• The new and wider duties of due diligence for directors and senior managers; 20 SEPTEMBER 2014 FYI WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ

• The widening focus in relation to risks as well as hazards; and

• The substantial increase in penalties.

The next issue of FYI will contain a follow-up article addressing the worker engagement obligations contained in the Bill. These will form a critical focus and potentially significant obligations on businesses.

Border Duty Holders - PCBUs Under the Health & Safety in Employment Act 1992 (HSEA) the primary health and safety duties fell on a person who controls a place of work.

Under the Bill, the primary duties fall on “persons conducting a business or undertaking” (which has been abbreviated to the rather cumbersome PCBU). This is a significant change and is much broader than an employer or person who manages or controls a workplace. A PCBU will also include:

• People who manage or control fixtures, fittings or plant at workplaces;

• Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of plant e.g. equipment, substances or structure to other workplaces; and

• An installer, constructor or a person who commissions plant or structures.

All PCBUs have primary obligations under the Bill. There are also more specific obligations on PCBUs depending on which of the above categories they fall into.

Duties on directors and senior managers The Bill requires that ‘officers’ assume a due diligence duty. An officer is a director of a company and any other person who makes decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the PCBU business.

Currently a director of a company can only be convicted if they direct, authorise, assent to or participate in a breach. The Bill goes substan-

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT_LEGAL

tially further. Under the Bill, any director or a senior manager who makes decisions within a business will owe a due diligence duty. The duty of due diligence for officers is very broad.

It requires them to:

• Acquire and keep up-to-date with knowledge of health and safety matters;

• Gain an understanding of the health and safety risks and hazards associated with the conduct of the business;

• Ensure the PCBU has, and uses, appropriate resources and processes to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety and to comply with duties under the legislation, and then to verify such use or resources and processes; and

• Ensure the PCBU has appropriate resources and processes for responding to information regarding incidents, hazards and risks in a timely way.

If you are a director or senior manager in a company who makes decisions, you will have a positive obligation to be proactive when it comes to matters of health and safety. You need to personally make yourself familiar with the way in which your business operates, what risks are possible, and what needs to be done to eliminate those risks.

Focus on risks as well as hazards The current legislation requires employers to take all practicable steps to prevent harm to those in their workplace by identifying, minimising or eliminating hazards. The Bill goes a step further, and requires PCBUs and other duty holders to identify risks to health and safety as well as hazards and to take all reasonably practicable steps to eliminate or minimise those risks. ‘Risks’ suggest a

much lower threshold than ‘hazards’. Risks can include:

• Workers not following directions or taking shortcuts;

• Stress / fatigue / emotional harm (eg. from bullying); and

• Occupational disease.

Penalties The government has sent a clear message that penalties for breaches need to be substantially increased. The penalties set out in the Bill have increased six-fold from those under the HSEA.

• For breaches arising from what is considered ‘reckless conduct’ the maximum penalty for an officer of a PCBU is $600,000 or five years’ imprisonment. Companies have a maximum penalty of $3 million.

• Where a person fails to comply with a duty which exposes a person to a risk of death or serious injury or illness, the maximum penalty for a PCBU officer is $300,000 and $1.5 million for a company.

• Where a person has failed to comply with a health and safety duty (which doesn’t fall within the two categories above) the maximum for an individual is $100,000 or $500,000 (currently the maximum penalty under the HSEA) for a company.

For more information regarding your health and safety obligations under the Health and Safety Reform Bill please contact Candice Murphy, Partner, Simpson Western.

DDI: 09 489 0723.

CandiceM@simpsonwestern.co.nz

At a glance • The Health and Safety Reform Bill is a significant overhaul of health and safety obligations.

• Given the due diligence requirements on directors and senior managers to be proactive in understanding risks and hazards associated with the conduct at their place of work, businesses will need to ensure that they are taking the appropriate steps now so that once the bill is passed into law, they are complying with their duties.

• Once the Bill is enacted you will need to ensure that all risks are minimised, including risks of your workers not following directions and that hazards such as fatigue are assessed and managed.

• You will need to know not only what your workers have been asked to do, or should be doing, but also have knowledge of what’s actually being done.

• It won’t be enough to have policies in place (although this is essential).

• You will need to ensure that your policies are sound, and that training, reviews and reminders are carried out in relation to the policies.

MEMBERSHIP

New Associate Members Welcome to our new Associate Members who have joined us since the previous issue of FYI magazine.

Barfoot & Thompson North Shore Commercial Experts in commercial real estate.

Contact: Simon Farland Phone: 09 489 3880 Email: s.farland@barfoot.co.nz Web: barfoot.co.nz/commercial

Lowie Recruitment

Lowie Recruitment brings businesses and people together to realise their full potential.

Contact: Derek Howard Phone: 09 427 8419 Email: dhoward@lowie.co.nz Web: lowie.co.nz

New Zealand Culture Exchange Developing the exchange of art and business between New Zealand and China.

Contact: Jody Zhou Phone: 09 419 8216 Email: jody@nzce.co.nz

Network Agents

The smart choice for IT support.

Contact: Paul Douglas Phone: 0800 00 707 00 Email: paul.douglas@network-agents.com Web: network-agents.com

RMA Consultants

Life insurance. Medical cover. Critical illness cover. Income protection. Mortgage cover.

Contact: Wikus Erasmus Phone: 09 425 7111 Email: wikus@rmaconsultants.co.nz Web: rmaconsultants.co.nz

Associate Membership is available to all businesses outside of the North Harbour Business Improvement District (BID).

If you or someone you know would like to become an Associate Member please contact admin@nhba.org.nz for further information.

OFFICE FOR LEASE NHBA is on the move!

Due to the development of NHBA’s membership services, our office needs are changing to accommodate onsite training and additional meeting room facilities.

We have enjoyed working out of this modern and sunny office space, complete with shared boardroom facilities and storage, plus two car-parks right outside the door. We have a great landlord and excellent neighbours, but reluctantly we need to move.

If you are looking for a 2–4 person office, within the heart of the North Harbour business area, please contact us and we will happily show you the facilities: • F4, 27–29 William Pickering Drive • 61 sqm – first floor accommodation – safe and secure • 2 dedicated car parks with access to additional on-street car park options • Shared access to a 6–8 person boardroom • Well appointed shared kitchen and facilities

Contact: Janine Brinsdon NHBA – General Manager / 021 212 4942 / Janine.brinsdon@nhba.org.nz

GOLD SPONSORS

Labyrinth Solutions - A Winning Digital Partnership We have a long history of digital innovation and developing websites for some of New Zealand’s leading brands, so we know what makes a successful website.

The two vital ingredients are: Simpson Western’s North Harbour team: Tina Robinson, Katie Stills, Chris Western, Jamie Barr, Ken Paterson and Meralyn Radonich.

Simpson Western Smarter solutions from specialist lawyers is what Simpson Western’s clients have come to appreciate from this long-established North Shore law firm.

“We spend a lot of time with our clients to ascertain what outcomes they want so we can provide them with a solution that works in their particular situation. The key to our service is to provide smart, practical advice to our business and personal clients that will solve their problems and deliver results,” says Ken Paterson, a partner at the firm’s North Harbour office.

Simpson Western has 10 partners, supported by 38 staff who work in the firm’s three offices – North Harbour, Takapuna and Silverdale.

“Our teams of expert lawyers make it easy for clients as they have the peace of mind and assurance that they have a lawyer with specialist skills working on their particular issue.”

The firm’s eight specialist teams are: 1. Business services 2. Employment law, including health and safety 3. Asset planning, trusts, wills and estates 4. Property, including commercial property, leasing and residential property 5. Dispute resolution and litigation 6. Immigration law for corporate work visas 7. Relationship property, and 8. Lifestyle planning for seniors.

“Looking after our clients well is a critical part of Simpson Western’s culture”, says Ken. “We regularly ask for feedback on how we deliver our service. Our clients say we’re friendly and professional, and deliver excellent solutions and results – all in a timely manner. That’s good to hear, however, we’re always keen to do it even better.”

Simpson Western holds regular business briefings on how upcoming legislation changes will affect their clients. A key focus this year has been the proposed changes to health and safety laws. These changes are significant and every business needs to be prepared. Keeping clients updated and informed on important issues and changes, such as this, is one of the ways that Simpson Western looks after their clients.

“So if you’d like excellent professional service from lawyers who know their stuff, and who really care about you, then contact Simpson Western today.”

A Long-Term Online Digital Strategy A website is not a one-off project; it is the centrepiece of your digital strategy and relies on continuous improvement to be successful. At Labyrinth Solutions we really prove our worth to you through our innovative approach and personalised guidance in directing your digital strategy.

A Strong Foundation for your Digital Strategy Sitting at the core of your website is a Content Management System (CMS). As new digital channels continue to emerge your CMS will form the foundation of your digital strategy. Contegro – our CMS offering – provides the central management of content across all your digital touch points including: website (both desktop and mobile view), mobile applications, touchscreen kiosks and digital signage.

SMARTER SOLUTIONS FROM SPECIALISTS Phone: 09 486 3058 email: kenp@simpsonwestern.co.nz simpsonwestern.co.nz

Call Labyrinth Solutions on 0800 932 748 or visit website.co.nz WWW.NHBA.ORG.NZ FYI SEPTEMBER 2014 23

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Banking solutions to suit you.

Flexibility to meet when and where it suits you.

I’m dedicated to helping you with all your banking requirements, not just your business accounts – I want to ensure you have a banking solution that meets all your needs. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, need lending, cashflow solutions or asset finance, I’m here to help. I can also talk to you about protecting everything you’ve worked hard for, help structure your banking and put steps in place to help you meet your future financial goals.

I live and work locally so have a thorough understanding of the local market conditions and I’m available seven days a week to come and see you, at your convenience. As your needs continue to change in the future, BNZ has a wide range of other specialists to help you along the way.

So, what are you waiting for?

Contact me today.

Francine Kwok

Business Acquisition Manager Available Monday to Friday 8.30am until 5.00pm (within the North Shore region) 021 838 035 Francine_Kwok@bnz.co.nz

3474_MMT148

0800 269 763

bnz.co.nz/smallbusiness

BNZ’s current Disclosure Statement and Qualifying Financial Entity Disclosure Statement may be obtained from any BNZ store or Partners Centre, or viewed on BNZ’s website bnz.co.nz. Lending criteria, terms and fees apply.