FYI Winter 2024

Unlocking Global Opportunities

Special event for exporters and importers pg 12

Business Spotlight

Small but mighty: microgreens pack a nutritious punch pg 21

Community Well Foundation brings healing green space to North Shore Hospital pg 34

HUMAN FACTORS

Managing Human Factors in WFH Environments

IN A RECENT survey conducted by Eclipse Recruitment, insights into the evolving landscape of remote work shed light on the perspectives and policies of various business owners and managers. As remote and hybrid work arrangements continue to shape the modern work environment, understanding human factors for both employers and employees is important.

Embracing Work from Home (WFH)

Over 60% of surveyed employers offer some form of WFH option to their teams. Interestingly, about 45% of these employers do not enforce set work-fromhome days, instead leaving the option available as needed. Flexibility in work hours, either through flexible start/finish times or fully flexible schedules, was also observed in over 40% of surveyed businesses.

Benefits and Challenges

The survey highlighted the perceived benefits of WFH, such as improved work-

life balance leading to increased staff well-being, satisfaction, and better staff retention. However, maintaining team culture emerged as a significant challenge, with many employers noting that office-based work fosters stronger team collaboration and learning opportunities.

Provision of Equipment

activities, help bridge the gap created by remote work.

Commonly provided WFH equipment includes laptops, mobile devices, and additional monitors. However, only a few companies offer internet or WFH allowances, citing concerns about providing complete home office setups for each employee.

Strategies for Success

Assessing IT capabilities, ensuring team collaboration tools, and providing managerial support for remote teams are essential steps. Strategies to maintain or enhance company culture, such as regular team meetings and online social

Proactive Solutions

It is important to have open discussions with teams about challenges and solutions. Trial periods for WFH arrangements can help identify specific pros and cons before committing fully. This approach ensures that the human element remains central to the success of remote and hybrid working.

As businesses adapt to new work models, acknowledging and addressing human factors in WFH and hybrid environments proves pivotal in fostering productivity, engagement, and overall success. By embracing flexibility, leveraging technology, and nurturing a positive work culture, organisations can navigate the WFH model with confidence.

Lisa Hill Managing Director

(09) 973 1879

Contact FYI Magazine

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

Welcome from the GM

THE ECONOMY, HIGH interest rates, and the slow reduction in our level of inflation are still dominating news for businesses as the ongoing difficult economic climate and associated financial pressures show no signs of easing anytime soon. Whilst the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has not seen the need to raise the Official Cash Rate (OCR) in recent months, it has reiterated that the OCR still needs to stay at a “restrictive level” for a sustained period. On a brighter note, the RBNZ is confident that inflation will return to within its 1-3 per cent target range this calendar year.

Recent figures have illustrated the extent of the problems caused by the intensifying financial stress. Consumers have found their levels of disposable income declining, resulting in a 1.9 per cent reduction in retail sales in the December 2023 quarter. In addition, small to medium-sized businesses recorded a fall in productivity last year, and Companies Office reported that 282 companies went into liquidation, receivership or voluntary liquidation in March – the highest number in nine years. With unemployment also increasing, business resilience will be further tested in the months ahead. I sincerely hope that members can continue to overcome these ongoing economic challenges and any others that may lie ahead.

In this edition of FYI, we take a look at Human Factors. Our cover story aims to take an overview of this huge subject that could affect everything from a home worker’s IT

set-up to an oil terminal’s disaster recovery plan! In the simplest terms, Human Factors make it easy for us to do the right thing and hard to do the wrong thing. They’re distinct for every business, depending on risk level, industry type, working environment, and so on. Our guest interviewee has some great tips to help business owners take straightforward steps to make life better for themselves, their teams, and their customers.

Our Community page focuses on the Well Foundation, especially its work at North Shore Hospital. There’s compelling evidence that incorporating green spaces into healthcare facilities can improve people’s wellbeing and even lead to shorter hospital stays and less medication. Thanks to Well Foundation’s generous donors, a healing garden is set to fill the new North Shore Hospital development’s central atrium. Find out how to support this extremely worthwhile projectand, indeed, Well Foundation’s work overall - on page 34.

The BNH team and I look forward to our continued engagement with you and your team as you enjoy the many benefits of our various programmes and services.

Kia kaha

Kevin O’Leary General Manager, Business North Harbour

Eat Me First: the easy way to waste less food

NEW ZEALANDERS WASTE $290 million worth of fruit and vegetables every year. Love Food, Hate Waste (as the name suggests!) is an organisation trying to improve this staggering figure. Its website contains loads of tasty recipes for leftover food that might otherwise be thrown away, such as broccoli stems, mashed potato, bread, and meats.

Now, it’s offering free reusable Eat Me First stickers to help consumers keep track of perishable goods that need to be eaten or foods that are close to their “best before” or “use by” dates. The stickers can be used in the pantry, fridge or freezer.

To order yours, go to lovefoodhatewaste. co.nz/eat-me-first

Only one-third of Kiwi SMEs are prioritising climate action

A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS Network (SBN) business survey has found that even though small businesses know there are benefits to taking climate action, only 36 per cent are making it a priority.

The report is based on interviews with 22 organisations, plus research and expert insights. Lack of time is the main barrier, cited by 82 per cent of interviewees, followed by perception of cost (59 per cent) and lack of information (55 per cent).

“Four years ago, our research showed that lack of time and knowledge were the main barriers to climate action for SMEs. These have now been joined by financial challenges,” says lead author Kimberley Savill, SBN’s programme manager – climate.

“It’s vital that we find ways to enable small businesses to take climate action,” she continues.

“As a nation, we have committed to halving our emissions by 2030. Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy is largely driven by SMEs. Together, they contribute more than a quarter of our GDP and their impact on emissions is likely of a similar magnitude.

“It’s likely there’ll be increasing pressure on SMEs as new climate-related disclosure requirements and supplier reporting expectations ramp up. As a result, there’ll be increasing scrutiny by corporates and the financial sector of the smaller businesses in their supply chains.

“The businesses we spoke to told us they need better tools, training and financial support to take climate action. In particular, they value simplicity. They prefer information to be specific and relevant to their business, with relatable case studies and examples. They also need sustainability-focused loans, funds and grants.”

To learn about current trends, drivers, and barriers for small businesses to take climate action, go to sustainable.org.nz/ learn/tools-resources/climateaction-in-aotearoa-new-zealandsmes

Auckland Council Libraries updates its hold pick-up process to enhance customers’ privacy

IN LATE MAY, Auckland Council Libraries updated the pick-up process for requested items. The books are no longer shelved alphabetically with your name on a paper slip. Instead, requested library items will be on numbered shelves in the holds pick-up area at the user’s chosen library.

The new holds pick-up system is anonymised, paperless, and designed to protect library users’ privacy.

When your item is ready to be picked up, you’ll receive an email with the details you need to find your hold, including the library item name, pick-up location, the number of the shelf your requested item is on and the pick-up date.

The information will also be available in the account section of the Auckland Council Libraries app.

“Changing to this system will prioritise the privacy of our customers and help us to play our part to reduce paper waste and our environmental impact. This innovative technology will also automate some of the manual tasks involved in moving and managing our collections around the library.”

Celebrating Matariki

THIS YEAR, THE Matariki holiday falls on 28 June. Māori New Year is a chance to gather with whānau and friends, reflect on the year past, and plan and hope for the year ahead. Te Papa Tongawera Museum of New Zealand suggests nine ways to celebrate Matariki at home, including:

Take time with whānau to remember loved ones who have passed.

You could even visit their resting place or tidy up imperfections on their stone memorials.

Enjoy a midwinter feast with friends and whānau.

You can find recipes for traditional bread, kai moana, casseroles, and desserts on several websites, such as recipes.co.nz/ learn/matariki-feast-ideas and nzherald. co.nz/eatwell/topic/celebrate-matarikirecipes, as well as Te Papa’s own.

Write down your hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the year ahead.

Consider your environmental awareness.

“Matariki reminds us of our connection to the environment and our responsibilities to look after it. It can be as simple as organising a beach clean, cleaning your local waterway or planting a tree to give back to our environment. Alternatively, you may want to explore options like becoming a zero-waste household, recy-

cling more often, saving power by turning electrical equipment off when not in use, or cycling to work rather than driving to reduce your carbon footprint.”

Stargaze!

Get up and go outside before sunrise and take in the beauty of the heavens.

To read more ideas and watch a video explaining how to find the Matariki star cluster, go to tepapa.govt.nz/discovercollections/read-watch-play/matarikimaori-new-year/how-celebrate-matariki/ how-celebrate

Learning skills and staying safe online: Digital Seniors Hubs

DO YOU KNOW an older person who’d appreciate some help using their phone, laptop, or tablet more efficiently and safely?

Digital Seniors is a non-profit organisation that provides free tech support to people aged 65 and over. Their learning hubs are social learning spaces run by volunteer coaches who provide one-on-one assistance to seniors using their personal devices in a positive, fun, and relaxed environment.

The coaches can help seniors connect with friends and whānau online, send photos, pay bills, shop online, manage emails, and use their smartphones more effectively. And all are police vetted.

The hubs occur regularly at several nearby locations, including Glenfield Library, East Coast Bays Library, Birkenhead Library, and Number 12 Greenhithe. No bookings are required. For more information, contact Digital Seniors on 0800 373 646.

Could you spare a couple of hours every week to volunteer?

Digital Seniors is always keen to hear from potential new coaches.

“We don’t need tech geniuses, just kind and patient people who know their way around a phone.”

To find out more about getting involved, visit digitalseniors.co.nz

Natalie Tolhopf: The Art of Selling

7 March | National Hockey Centre Business Capability Workshop, supported by Bolster Risk Management

Upcoming Events

JUNE

7 2024 Post Budget Luncheon

12.00 pm-2.00 pm

National Hockey Stadium, 159 Bush Road, Rosedale (Entry via Gate A)

Speakers at this event will be Hon Shane Jones, Associate Finance Minister for the Coalition Government and Hon Barbara Edmonds, Finance Spokesperson for the Labour Party, who will deliver their respective party’s perspectives on the latest budget to attendees. Q&A sessions will be conducted following each presentation. Questions can be submitted ahead of time via email to comms@businessnh.org.nz

12 Business After 5: Asian Business Networking Event

5.30 pm-7.30 pm

BNH Offices, Level 1, 322 Rosedale Road

You are invited to take advantage of an evening of networking with other business owners and BNH members, whilst also enjoying a drink and some nibbles. We look forward to meeting you on the night.

北港商会诚挚地邀请您参加我们 与亚裔家庭服务中心共同举办 的“Business After 5-Asian Business networking event”，活动将 于6月12日星期三 举行，时间为下 午5:30至7:30。

我们相信您将与其他企业家一起 享受一个充满合作与交流机会的 社交之夜（我们将提供饮品和小 吃）。

请别错过这次机会，欢迎点击注册 加入我们！期待您和您的团队的到 来！

Supported by

20 Women in Business: Julie Woods, That Blind Woman

10.00 am-12.00 pm

North Shore Golf Club, 51 Appleby Road, Albany

Julie, also known as “That Blind Woman”, has defied the odds to become an accomplished author, sought-after speaker, and empowering coach. She has captivated audiences worldwide with her story of resilience and power of adaptation. From navigating single blind parenting to embarking on adventures like walking every street in her home town of Dunedin and visiting the Seven Wonders of the World, Julie’s journey is one of triumph over adversity.

Join us to uncover the two small words that propelled Julie off the couch and empowered her to thrive amidst disruption. Learn firsthand what she said to those who questioned, “How can you sightsee when you can’t see?” Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired by Julie Woods’ incredible story of courage, determination, and limitless possibilities. Women in Business is proudly supported by Phone Plus Group

27 The NZ Economy: there is light at the end of the tunnel

5.30 pm-7.00 pm

North Shore Golf Club, 51 Appleby Road, Albany

North Harbour

Commercial Property Group, proudly brought to you by Kiwibank

Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr will provide an in-depth view on the Kiwi economy, focusing on the pressure points for businesses. “We are at an interesting point in the economic cycle. The RBNZ has inflicted much pain, in the pursuit of price stability. They are winning the war on inflation. And their next move is likely to be a cut, this year. In doing so, we should see an uplift in activity. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

Who should attend:

• Commercial property investors and developers

• Real estate professionals and agents

• Financial advisers and economists

• Government officials and policymakers

• Anyone interested in New Zealand’s economic and property market trends

To stay up-to-date with events and to make your bookings, go to businessnh.org.nz/whats-on

Julie Woods

Tucson Hybrid: the perfect choice for BNH’s ambassadors

NORTH HARBOUR HYUNDAI and Business North Harbour (BNH) are delighted to announce an exciting collaboration.

North Harbour Hyundai has generously sponsored two Tucson Hybrids for Sandra Craze and Ben Yang, BNH’s ambassadors.

Ben explains how these vehicles will assist the organisation and its members. “As a BNH ambassador, my typical day involves a variety of activities aimed at promoting and supporting the interests of our members and the wider business community. This includes visiting members, attending meetings with stakeholders, helping out at events, and engaging with other organisations to enhance collaboration and growth opportunities.

“Yes, Sandra and I spend a lot of time on the road! As I drive around in the Tucson, I feel like it conveys a message of quality, reliability, and sustainability. It also reflects positively on the values of our members and our association –which are collaborating to support each other’s growth. The hybrid car sends a clear message to our members that we are working hard on sustainability efforts to help our planet.”

He continues, “In terms of supporting our roles, the Tucson offers practical

features and amenities that align with the demands of our duties. Also, the large cargo space allows us to transport materials and promotional items for events efficiently and easily.”

North Harbour Hyundai’s dealer principal Nic Tsimas says, “We’re incredibly proud to support Business North Harbour, with their focus on sustainability and community engagement.

“It has been so rewarding to look back on the activities we’ve undertaken together over the last 12 months, which have left a tangible mark on the local community. From presence at events at schools, retailers, golf courses and sports grounds to joining Women in Business functions and sustainability forums, we’ve loved the opportunity to actively contribute to positive change.”

He confirms that working with Ben and Sandra has been a highlight. “Their dedication has propelled our shared vision forward, and we’d like to thank them and the rest of their amazing team for their

collaborative efforts over the past year.

“Looking ahead, we’re excited about what’s to come. With our ongoing partnership, we’re poised to champion even more worthwhile causes and help support local businesses.”

How could the Tucson Hybrid enhance your business?

Better for the planet | Better for your bottom line | Better for your brand | Better for your team

This model of Tucson significantly reduces your business’ carbon emissions compared to conventional ICE vehicles. It offers excellent fuel efficiency, reducing costs and minimising the frequency of refuelling. It’s ideal for both city driving and longer trips. Over time, the lower operational costs associated with fuel and maintenance can result in notable cost savings.

The Tucson is renowned for its smooth acceleration and comfortable driving experience. It’s also equipped with advanced safety features, such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

Choosing the Tucson Hybrid demonstrates an organisation’s clear commitment to efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Contact Nic and the team to book your test drive.

Auckland Council’s Long-Term Plan Budget: first details revealed

SINCE MARCH’S FYI, BNH has made formal submissions to Auckland Council (AC) on two topics, one of them being consultation on Auckland Council’s Long-Term Plan (LTP) 2024-2034 (10-Year Budget).

As I noted previously, this was an opportunity for you to have your say on how you think AC can best deal with the enormous budgetary challenges it faces, which will be even more challenging following the abolition of the Regional Fuel Tax on 30 June. Several items in the Mayor’s proposals could affect you and your property or business, so I recommended that members made their own submissions in addition to BNH.

BNH was also part of a joint submission from a number of Business Improvement Districts across the city, which was made in-person to councillors on 22 March.

In addition to the LTP submission, BNH made a formal submission to AC on the Draft Waste Management and Minimis-

ation Plan 2024. All our written submissions can be found on BNH’s website: businessnh.org.nz/formal-submissions

More informally, I caught up with our Albany Ward councillors, John Watson and Wayne Walker, in April to discuss several topics, including their major concerns regarding some of the items in the LTP Budget consultation. In general, these concerns echoed the content of our submission regarding the future of North Harbour Stadium and the Mayor’s proposals for an Auckland Future Fund, the leasing of the Port, and the development of some of the existing wharves.

Although the final details of the LTP Budget, which has been approved by councillors are still to be released by the governing body, a couple of items have recently been made public knowledge. Firstly, the Mayor has withdrawn the proposal to lease the Port to a private company. Secondly, in line with another of the Mayor’s proposals, changes in government legislation will separate

Watercare from AC’s balance sheet, allowing the water services provider to take on additional debt. This has thankfully resulted in a significant reduction in the 25.8 per cent water rates increase originally proposed in the LTP Budget.

In closing, given the ongoing financial challenges that many businesses are facing, I would ask that you keep supporting our local businesses by buying local and utilising locally available services.

Kevin O’Leary GM, Business North Harbour

With Yale Home App

Unlocking Global Opportunities BNH’s Business After 5 for Importers and Exporters

THIS EVENT WAS the first specifically for current and would-be exporters and importers, and featured four guest speakers:

• Sanjay Prakash, Foreign Policy Officer, MFAT

• Michelle Taylor, Senior Engagement Advisor, MPI

• Marcelo Menoita, New Zealand Brazil Business Chamber (NZBBC)

• Ruth Boyes, Area Manager –Auckland, EMA /Export NZ

Sanjay Prakash

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) can help existing and new exporters in several ways:

• The Tariff Finder helps exporters reap the benefits of New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreements.

• The Services Export Tool helps service exporters quickly locate relevant information within the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

• Market Intelligence Reports keep exporters and importers up to date with global economic statistics and insights.

Users can subscribe based on their interests, or by geographic location.

• If an exporter suddenly comes across a new barrier or regulation, they can log this with the Export helpdesk, who will review the issue and help to address it.

If you are planning to export military related goods and controlled chemicals, considering exporting research with military utility, or brokering the transfer of military goods overseas, MFAT’s Export Controls team can help you ensure you are compliant with your

statutory obligations under Export Controls legislation.

Michelle Taylor

Michelle is part of the Exporter Regulatory Advice Service (ERAS) team, helping food and fibre exporters navigate domestic and international regulations.

MPI’s Ducks in a Row guide gives potential exporters all the fundamental information they need to get started, and existing exporters can find information about overseas territories’ import requirements.

Michelle Taylor Marcelo Menoita

Michelle also stressed the importance of finding good local distributors, who are often the first to know if, for example, a regulation changes.

MPI also provides OMARs (Overseas Market Access Requirements) for registered exporters. These are password-protected and only available to NZ citizens.

Marcelo Menoita

Brazil boasts the world’s ninth-largest GDP and a population of 203 million. The NZBBC in Auckland is very new, having officially opened on 8 December 2023, but there are already exciting plans to massively increase the export potential between the two countries.

NZBBC’s first project is to open up a direct flight from Auckland to Sao Paulo. “Just 13 hours to the financial capital of South America.” This direct flight would also connect Asia /Oceania to South America, with Auckland becoming an international hub.

The second priority is to create a cooperation agreement for the film industry. Things are moving fast; it’s hoped that the FTA will be signed in October.

Ruth Boyes

ExportNZ (“the voice of New Zealand exporters”) is a division of BusinessNZ and affiliated with the Employers and Manufacturers Association. This gives exporters access to a broad range of expertise, including business mentors, HR, health and safety, and workshops covering key areas, such as the risks facing exporters

To read about this event in full, including where to find more support and information, please visit businessnh.org.nz/unlockglobal-opportunities-importersand-exporters-evening

释放全球经贸机遇：北 港商会面向进出口商的 Business After 5活动

本次活动是专门为进出口企业和潜在进出口企业举办 的，我们共邀请了以下四位演讲嘉宾：

·Sanjay Prakash，MFAT新西兰外交贸易部外交政策 官员

·Michelle Taylor，MPI新西兰初级产业部高级顾问

·Marcelo Menoita，NZBBC新西兰巴西商会会长

·Ruth Boyes，EMA新西兰雇主及制造商协会/新西兰 出口奥克兰区域经理

Sanjay Prakash

新西兰外交贸易部（MFAT）可以通过以下方式帮助现有 和新的出口商：

- 进出口税率查询：帮助出口商充分利用新西兰自由贸 易协定。

- 出口服务查询工具：帮助服务出口商快速查找《全面 与进步跨太平洋伙伴关系协定》中的相关信息。

- 海外市场报告：使进出口商了解最新的全球经济统计 数据和见解。用户可以根据兴趣或地理位置订阅。

- 出口咨询服务：帮助梳理和解决出口商突然遇到新的 障碍或法规。

- 出口管制团队：帮助出口商确保出口军事相关货物或 研究成果和受管制化学品的合规性。

Michelle Taylor

Michelle也是出口监管咨询服务（ERAS）团队的一员。 他们提供的《Ducks in a Row指南》可为潜在和现有的 食品和纤维出口商提供基本信息，如查找海外地区的进 口要求。Michelle强调了寻找良好的本地分销商的重要 性，因为他们通常是最先了解法规变化的人。MPI还为 注册出口商提供海外市场准入要求（OMAR）。这些信息 需要密码登入可见，且仅对新西兰公民开放。

Marcelo Menoita

巴西拥有世界第九大国内生产总值（GDP），人口达2.03 亿。奥克兰的巴西商会于 2023 年 12 月 8 日刚刚成立， 但已经有了新兴计划以大幅增加两国之间的进出口潜 力。

巴西商会的第一个项目是开通从奥克兰到圣保罗的直 飞航班--“只需13小时即可到达南美洲的金融之都。”这 个直达航班还将连接亚洲/大洋洲与南美洲，奥克兰将 成为一个国际枢纽。第二个优先事项是为电影业制定合 作协议。目前所有项目进展顺利，并预计于10月签署自 贸协定（FTA）。

Ruth Boyes

ExportNZ（“新西兰出口商之声”）是BusinessNZ的一个 部门，隶属于雇主和制造商协会。为出口商提供丰富的 专业知识，包括商业导师、人力资源、健康和安全，以及 涵盖出口风险等关键领域的研讨会。

欲了解此次活动的完整内容，包括获取更多支持 和信息，请访问 businessnh.org.nz/unlock-globalopportunities-importers-and-exporters-evening

Ruth Boyes

Human Factors

How the benefits of people-centred design go way beyond financial

By Lizzie Brandon

Why do smart people sometimes do not-so-smart things? Could it be that we’ve somehow been set up to fail?

Let’s take an everyday example: a car’s indicators. Vehicle design isn’t standard across all makes and models. Your car has its indicator stalk on the right of the steering wheel, but you’re driving a hire car with the indicator on the left. Chances are, you’ll briefly flick on the windscreen wipers as you approach a roundabout instead of signalling left, which is probably more annoying than dangerous.

But scale up this concept to a more high-pressure environment, such as an aeroplane cockpit or the controls booth of a petrochemical plant, and suddenly design inconsistencies, and the confusion and frustration they cause, can have serious repercussions. And that is the basis of human factors – how design, interactions, organisational pressures, and psychology can impact our behaviour.

The expert

and organisational factors in highhazard industries and complex systems. He played a key role in developing human factors within the UK Health & Safety Executive (UK HSE) and was an HSE specialist inspector (Human Factors) for the British Government for over 12 years. He resides near Perth, Australia, and provides consultancy services to companies worldwide at HF Integration Pty Ltd. He is also the creator of the award-winning website: humanfactors101.com

Martin Anderson has more than 30 years’ experience applying human

“For me, human factors is about systems,” he says.

The cost of not putting customers first

Poor user experience can have a massive impact on business financials and reputation. In 2011, Ford dropped from fifth to 23rd in a US automotive quality survey because of consumer complaints about its MyFord Touch system. It controlled entertainment, climate, and navigation – and customers intensely disliked its complexity and ‘un-intuitiveness’. Ford dropped even further the following year to 27th place. It finally ditched MyFord Touch in 2016.

OWP“It’s about people, and how they interact with other people and technology. We look at those interactions to try and optimise how people perform – because, when they’re managed effectively, human factors can help organisations be more productive, efficient, sustainable, and profitable.”

People, he explains, must be at the heart of this. “We need ‘user-centred design’ so that the equipment or processes fit the people using them rather than expecting people to adapt to them. You’ll hear terms like ‘ergonomics’ or ‘usability’, which mean whatever it is – a chair, or a power tool, for example – has been designed with the user in mind.”

To return to that original question: “Why do smart people sometimes do

PEOPLE factors include competence, physical health, confidence, stress, fatigue, family worries, job satisfaction

WORK factors include distractions and interruptions, time pressure, procedures, information quality, working environment (lighting, temperature, ventilation, etc), tools

ORGANISATION factors include conflicting priorities, safety culture, communication, clarity of responsibilities, level and style of leadership /supervision, business structure

How do you manage risks and distractions for your team when they’re on the road? What is your mobile phone policy?

“Even if it’s hands-free, research has shown that we’re still thinking about a phone call up to 10 minutes after it’s ended. That’s a serious distraction.”

not-so-smart things?”, Martin says the answer is quite simple. “Our decisions and behaviours are nudged or shaped, often without our knowledge, by performance influencing factors (PIFs).” An obvious (positive) example of this would be putting a handle on a door that needs to be pulled, and a flat panel on one that needs to be pushed.

Every single organisation, from a sole trader florist to a multi-national energy corporation employing thousands, has health and safety obligations and will have its own distinct areas of potential risk, with varying degrees of severity.

However, there will be an overlap of human factors and PIFs across them all.

“For businesses using a lot of IT, the risks might be predominantly musculoskeletal issues. Or, it could be slips and trips.

“Perhaps you operate machinery or deal with the public who get angry occasionally. The risks to your staff depend on the nature of your business – but, as a responsible employer, you have to assess those risks and minimise them as much as possible.

“For many businesses, a significant risk will be driving, especially if staff are working long hours, starting early morning or late night. These people are more likely to have accidents, so it’s important to have clear guidelines and ensure these are followed.”

If something goes wrong, there’s an incident or a near-miss, PIFs are “the context in which behaviours occur and help us understand why people did what they did”.

Financial, health, and reputational benefits

After implementing changes to workplace practices, including job rotation and manual handling training, one UK furniture manufacturer saw a £60,000 reduction in its insurance premiums. Plus, there were only four reportable musculoskeletal injuries over the next two years, compared to 19 during the two years before.

The subsequent investigation should reflect this. “We shouldn’t just be shouting at people, blaming them, telling them to be more careful or sacking them.

“We need to move beyond saying it was ‘human error’. We should focus on why someone did what they did. Was it because the layout of the machine wasn’t intuitive? Was it because they were fatigued? Is their workload overwhelming? Are they distracted by external concerns?

“All those performance influencing factors modify our behaviour and make us do what we do.

“We can identify the factors or conditions that set people up to fail and acknowledge that these could create the conditions that will set other people up to fail as well. If we can tweak those and put measures in place to address them, we will create a more effective, engaged, and efficient workforce. And the benefits are not just safety, but better quality, reliability, profitability, and so on.”

Human factors and staff engagement

To give further context and start to see just how broad the application of human factors is, Martin suggests the example of a medium-sized office-based business.

Ultimately, the goal is to create systems based around people’s capabilities, characteristics, and needs. Doing this improves human performance turn reduces accidents and ill-health, whilst increasing productivity, reliability, and other positive outcomes.

“Sometimes the work might get a little monotonous, so we need to think about how to make that role more stimulating for people. Can we give some variety by breaking up their day so they’re not just staring at a computer? Could they go out and talk to customers or work at the front desk or help desk for a while? You might even find improved customer feedback with this increased engagement.

“When we scale people up in different activities, their job is more interesting. If you do that, those people will be mentally healthier and more likely to stay in your organisation. Employing and training people costs a lot of money; we want to keep them!”

Additionally, research has shown that younger generations of talent expect more from their employer. “They might

choose not to work for you if you’re not considering these things.”

Human factors and WFH

And what about hybrid team members?

On pg 2, Lisa Hill from Eclipse Recruitment talks about the importance of helping a whole team, including those who work from home (WFH), to feel connected through good communication and collaboration. But just as crucial is the work environment set-up. How could this affect someone’s physical and mental health, and performance?

“Laptops were not designed to be used for prolonged periods but became integral to many WFH set-ups during lockdown.

“Investing in a separate keyboard and a simple laptop stand, which needn’t be

very costly, means someone can have the laptop screen at a reasonable height and not be permanently bending their neck down whilst typing or straining to participate in virtual team meetings.

“Personally, I’ve opted for a keyboard without a numerical block on the right. I don’t use those numbers, and having it there makes me reach further for the mouse, which, over time, can cause shoulder strain.

“Little things like this can have a big impact.”

Human factors and your website

Those same principles of making it easier to do the right thing apply to a company’s website. “Your website is your shopfront, and you want visitors to enjoy a frictionless journey through it.” This

We can identify the factors or conditions that set people up to fail and acknowledge that these could create the conditions that will set other people up to fail as well. If we can tweak those and put measures in place to address them, we will create a more effective, engaged, and efficient workforce.

means them finding whatever they need without distraction or frustration. Martin’s advice to business owners is to test their website from their customers’ perspective. “Ask a few people who don’t work for your company to complete a task or purchase, and get honest feedback about how simple it was.”

He cites an example from Amazon a few years ago. “They had a registration button on the website, which meant you had to register for an account before buying something. This was actually a hurdle to purchase, so they removed it and increased their sales by 45 per cent.”

Human factors and business resilience

Human factors are also pivotal for business resilience and sustainability.

“Whatever you call it – your Plan B, emergency response, disaster recovery

– you need to have a plan, and you need to rehearse it.”

Which means everyone needs to understand it.

“Every so often, maybe every couple of months, sit down and talk about it. ‘Let’s think about what might happen and how we’re going to respond’. You could get together for a coffee at the end of a shift or put on a morning tea and have an open conversation.”

“We’re much more likely to remember training if we actively participate in it.”

Human factors and company culture

“Managers don’t always know what’s really occurring. We talk about the gap between what we think is happening and what we think people are doing versus what people are actually doing.

“Talk to your team,” urges Martin. “They’re the experts, the ones doing the work. When you make an effort to understand and overcome the challenges they’re really facing, you make their lives better. And when you improve their lives, you improve your business. Your people will be happy to be included and heard, and probably more motivated because they’re engaged.

He concludes, “Simply talking to people about the challenges and frustrations that make their job difficult and how can we make their job easier could be a gold mine.”

Suggested further reading: humanfactors101.com

worksafe.govt.nz/topic-andindustry/work-related-health/ mental-health

worksafe.govt.nz/topic-andindustry/work-related-health/ musculoskeletal-disorders/ working-with-computers

worksafe.govt.nz/topic-andindustry/work-related-health/ mental-health/staying-mentallyhealthy-when-working-from-home

Enhancing the golfing experience through Human Factors: nurturing a culture of success on the greens

By Rachel Harrison, Corporate Sales & Events Manager

IN THE AFTERMATH of the Covid-19 pandemic, golf has seen a significant resurgence. As people sought safe outdoor activities, golf emerged as a favoured pastime for many, providing not just physical exercise but also mental rejuvenation and social connection.

At North Shore, our core purpose revolves around people, with golf as our chosen avenue for connection and service. Beyond its recreational appeal, golf fosters character development, especially among the younger generation.

At the core of golf’s enduring popularity lies its ability to make it easy for people to do the right thing while simultaneously making it challenging to veer off course. This principle, rooted in the concept of human factors, stresses the importance of designing environments and experiences that facilitate positive behaviours and minimise distractions.

Effective communication plays a pivotal role in shaping the golfing experience. Clear signage, course maps, and instructions ensure that players understand the rules, follow golfing etiquette, and play golf in the spirit that it should be, fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging. By establishing norms of respect and sportsmanship, North Shore has been able to cultivate a supportive atmosphere where players feel encouraged to uphold the integrity of the game.

In today’s digital age, distractions are abundant. However, by leveraging technology thoughtfully—such as mobile apps for booking tee times and tracking scores—we can streamline operations and enhance convenience without compromising the essence of the sport. North Shore Golf Club has begun using the software platform Golf Genius as a tool for tournament management, event registration, scoring, handicapping, communication, and more.

Beyond its recreational appeal, golf fosters character development, especially among the younger generation.

areas. This includes participation in courses offered by the Golf Managers Association of New Zealand to enhance their proficiency in golf management practices. Additionally, some staff undergo training in food and beverage management, such as LCQ (Liquor Control Qualification), and obtain duty manager certification to ensure compliance and proficiency in hospitality operations. These efforts emphasise North Shore’s commitment to maintaining high standards and delivering exceptional experiences to members and guests alike.

our offerings and services to better meet our members’ needs.

Golf’s capacity to instil character virtues is perhaps most evident in its impact on junior players. Coaches play a crucial role in imparting not only technical skills but also life lessons, like perseverance, integrity, and resilience. Our coaches, Sam, Jacques and Bevan, offer structured training programmes and mentorship opportunities where young golfers can develop their athletic abilities and also their character, preparing them for success both on and off the course.

Golf’s reputation as the sport of business stresses its significance beyond just leisure. The interpersonal skills honed on the greens—such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability— translate seamlessly to professional settings, making it an asset for career advancement.

Adequate resources, including well-maintained facilities and knowledgeable staff, are essential for creating an environment conducive to learning and enjoyment. Investing in training programmes for employees ensures that they can provide assistance and guidance to players of all skill levels and provide excellent customer service. North Shore Golf Club’s staff frequently engage in upskilling and training initiatives, which encompass a range of https://northshoregolfclub.co.nz/

As golf clubs strive to accommodate diverse members with varying needs and expectations, they face unique challenges. Managing a diverse club requires a nuanced approach that acknowledges and celebrates differences while fostering a sense of unity and belonging. By embracing inclusivity and actively seeking feedback from members, at North Shore, we’ve been able to adapt

By prioritising human factors, North Shore has enhanced the overall experience for our members.

www.benefitz.co.nz

A Story of Hope and Recovery

North Harbour Budgeting: Transforming Lives Through Financial Stability

‘Jessica’ a 30-year-old wife and mother, faced a harrowing journey with highinterest debt that nearly cost her, her life.

Burdened by insurmountable financial pressure, Jessica saw her family’s assets and any available money being swallowed by interest charges, leaving her feeling hopeless. Her parents’ attempts to assist were futile against the relentless tide of debt. Feeling that she had let her family down, Jessica attempted suicide.

Thankfully, Jessica was found in time and directed to a community suicide support organisation, which then recommended North Harbour Budgeting (NH Budgeting).

At NH Budgeting, Jessica’s situation was met with compassion and expertise. She was allocated a mentor who immediately began working on her monetary crisis, scrutinising her contracts, affordability, and the amounts already paid. Through meticulous effort, her mentor managed to have most of Jessica’s debts written off and established a manageable payment plan for the remaining debt.

Now, nearly a year later, Jessica’s life has transformed. She is in a much better

place mentally and financially, attributing her newfound stability to the unwavering support and advocacy of her mentor and the NH Budgeting team. Jessica’s parents have expressed profound gratitude, acknowledging that the care and Aroha extended by NH Budgeting saved their daughter’s life and restored hope to their family.

Sadly, Jessica’s story is not unusual, with the current environment NH Budgeting has been inundated with calls (up to twenty a day) from people feeling trapped by financial stress, which often exacerbates mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

If you are worried about your financial situation, call us on 0800 159 158 to speak to one of our free Financial Mentors in confidence.

NH Budgeting’s team of financially accredited mentors is committed to empowering New Zealanders and their whanau, by providing free, independent, non-judgemental financial guidance. The organisation has been active in the local community for over 20 years,

assisting over 650 people within the last year.

The organisation was founded through the Citizens Advice Bureau, and is dedicated to transforming lives through financial empowerment, which makes them a critical lifeline for many.

To continue providing this essential support and expanding their reach, NH Budgeting seeks support from the community. Your sponsorship can help save lives and foster financial wellbeing for countless individuals and families in need.

For further information see www.nhbudgeting.org.nz

SmartLease Car Financing: fuelling business growth with flexibility

FOR SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR David Morrissey, having the right vehicle financing partner has been key to his business success.

From humble beginnings, taking over a seven-person locksmithing firm in 2004, Morrissey’s security services group now boasts over 70 employees and a 22-fold increase in turnover.

Central to this impressive growth has been Morrissey’s longstanding partnership with Driveline, with whom he started working in 2006.

“Laurie Brown-Haysom from Driveline pitched me on SmartLease car financing, and it struck a chord with my interest in accounting and cars,” Morrissey recalls.

Over 17 years and more than 50 vehicles sourced and financed through Driveline, two factors have made the relationship invaluable for Morrissey: variety and service.

“They offer a range of financing options and can get you any vehicle across the board - from work utes to high-end sports cars,” he says. “But

Personalise the perfect space for your next event

WHEN CLIENTS BOOK the meeting room at Ramada Suites by Wyndham, Albany, flexibility is the name of the game. General manager Jacqui Cheal and her team take a refreshingly proactive approach to accommodating guests’ needs and wants. “We don’t have any fixed ideas about what you should have, how the room should be laid out, or what your catering should be,” explains Jacqui. “You tell us – and we’ll jump to it!”

Conveniently located close to SH1, the meeting room is fully accessible on the ground floor, with ample free parking right outside. It comfortably seats up to 24 delegates, and the layout can be adapted to suit. It is regularly booked by sports groups, training companies – including ongoing first aid courses –and other organisations, who use it as a “neutral”, distraction-free meeting point for employees based across the North Shore.

The Jabra Panacast videoconferencing is ideal for firms wishing to connect with colleagues and consultants elsewhere in New Zealand and overseas. PanaCast is described as “the world’s first intelli-

just as important is the exceptional personal service.”

That personalised attention proved crucial when Morrissey revamped his fleet in 2019, needing 11 uniformly branded Nissan Navaras. After vetting competitors, “the unanimous decision was Driveline,” he affirms.

The result? “Our look is great; everyone recognises our company vehicles.”

Morrissey deliberately chooses premium company cars like Cupras and Skodas as “a retention tool” for employees.

Having learned the hard way that cheaper entry-level models lose value rapidly, he takes a long-term view by investing in vehicles that hold their worth.

At its core, Morrissey credits the Driveline partnership’s longevity to a foundation of trust.

“They’re not just a supplier; they are a partner going out of their way for the customer,” he says. “If you don’t have trust in your partners, you’ve got nothing.”

0800 275-374 driveline.co.nz

gent 180° panoramic-4K plug-and-play video≈solution”.

There are various catering options available, too. The meeting room has a kitchenette for clients to prepare their own refreshments, and external caterers are welcomed, too. “One family even chose it for their traditional pre-wedding tea ceremony!”

Overall, Jacqui and her team want to make it as easy as possible for their guests to plan and budget for their ideal event – which is why the room charge is a standard hire rate for a half-day or full-day rather than per delegate.

Planning a business meeting, sports awards breakfast, training workshop, family celebration, or virtual meet-up with colleagues further afield? Contact Jacqui and her team to see how they may assist you.

(09) 974 4568

manager@ramadaalbany.co.nz

ramadaalbany.co.nz

“Microgreens are seen as an up-and-coming industry, so WorkSafe targeted all the microgreen growers. I’m proud to say that we passed everything with flying colours and didn’t even have any recommendations, which was fantastic – but still another learning curve.”

The power-packed green shoots of a growing business

JUST FOUR YEARS ago, Catherine Hackett was a primary school teacher, happily on a career path for life. Then two things happened: a visit to a favourite destination and Covid. During a family trip to Great Barrier Island, she saw a boat pull in with “bags of little vegetables” that she’d never seen or heard of before. “My diet is predominantly plant-based, so anything like this interested me. We tasted these locally grown microgreens and were blown away. They were delicious!” she recalls.

The pandemic’s lockdowns gave Catherine the headspace to start researching microgreens. “They’re about 40 times more nutritious than a grown vegetable,” she explains. “A lettuce is more than 90 per cent water. But microgreens are harvested after the sprout stage and before the baby green stage, so they pack a punch of flavour and nutrition.” This revelation was part of what inspired

Catherine to set up her own business, Grow My Greens.

“I realised there was a hole in the market. Microgreens had started to pop up for trade at farmers markets as a speciality product. We wanted to make a retail unit in the supermarket where you could find microgreens amongst the lettuce and spinach. And take them home to put on your pizzas, burgers, salad, and sandwiches. Just like you would with lettuce, but with more flavour and nutrition.”

She started at home with one specially built grow room, which quickly expanded into a second custom-built room, which, in turn, was soon outgrown. “We moved into premises in Airborne Road last September. We love North Harbour; the area has such a positive vibe. It’s ideal for our deliveries too. We want to get freshly harvested products straight onto the shelves. We harvest in the morning,

and you can buy it that same day. To do that, we need to be near the motorway, and from where we are we’ve got direct access to the Western and the south and north. We go in all of those directions!”

Grow My Greens’ commitment to excellence and reliability is reflected in its customer retention. “We’ve only lost two clients since we began, and those were cafés which, sadly, closed.”

The company’s rapid growth has, however, brought its own set of challenges, including having to find capital funding to keep up with growth and the cost of living increasing alongside trying to grow the company. “The rising minimum wage is another cost for us. We pay above the living wage.”

There’s quite a contrast between public sector employment and being a business owner. So, what’s been the biggest surprise for Catherine? “I don’t think I was prepared for never reaching the end goal. Naively, I suppose, I thought we’d get our customer base, and we could kind of sit back and catch up. We started with greengrocers, then cafés, organic stores, and Foodstuffs. Now we’re looking at more contracts. The goalposts are constantly moving, which is exciting as long as you remember to keep calm and carry on.

“The business is a 24/7 mindset. I’m constantly thinking about how something could be improved or how something new could benefit the company. But I’m so passionate about it; I don’t mind that it’s all-consuming!”

Four of Grow My Greens’ team of six. Everyone works together to nurture, harvest, package, and efficiently despatch their products. There’s a real focus on streamlining processes to avoid double-handling data and ensure quality control.

Catherine Hackett

AT SPARK BUSINESS Hub Auckland North, we’re small business owners too.

We understand the concerns that keep our clients awake at night – but data privacy and storage shouldn’t be one of them.

Our team of friendly tech professionals are here to help you:

• Protect your data

• Safeguard your reputation

• Take care of your team

We’ll show you how to make the most of your existing software’s privacy protocols and share straightforward, prac-

tical strategies to immediately minimise your risk.

Most data breaches aren’t malicious. Often, it’s a moment of thoughtlessness. We can run an informal session with your team to help them recognise the value of the data they hold in their hands

Conveniently store the grass box by hooking onto the mower handle in SmartStow® position.

The People Side of Innovation

IN A WORLD of constant disruption, innovation has become essential for longterm growth and sustainability. Whilst leaders recognise the need for innovation, there are many barriers to achieving it. Technology to capture data-driven insights that can spark innovation is essential; however, the insights themselves can get lost when insufficient trust hampers effective communication.

While many focus on the technological side of innovation, three of the most important factors are the “soft” skills of resilience, social intelligence and psychological safety.

Innovative organisations experiment to learn, and missteps are inevitable. Empowering employees to act requires accepting a certain level of risk, but most people hate to fail. Developing resilience here is vital. Building in people, a positive outlook and self-confidence with an open mindset, primed to succeed, listen, and learn through training and coaching is key.

Next is social intelligence – a soft skill that builds trusting relationships, develops open communication and, most importantly, psychological safety. Psycho-

logical safety is what individuals feel when they are confident that there won’t be negative consequences for reasonable risk-taking, such as speaking up, offering a new idea or asking questions. Research has shown that it’s crucial to enable effective teamwork and collaboration that allow humans to innovate.

It’s not just leaders who can create (or prevent) a psychologically safe environment. Everyone within the organisation needs the social intelligence that makes it possible.

As the pace of change accelerates, embracing and supporting innovation has become a high-profile priority. Who knows what disruptions will come next or which of today’s market leaders will falter because of them? One thing is

certain, it will always be agile, innovative and growth-focused organisations that are prepared to take advantage and get ahead of the curve.

Dale Carnegie NZ and Pacific has been at the forefront of helping organisations develop the essential capabilities to help them and their teams succeed regardless of market conditions or disruptions of change.

Simon Weakley Director of Sales and Training simon@dalecarnegie.co.nz

dalecarnegie.co.nz

Facing up to climate change: A guide for business

By Nicky Shave, Project Lead, Te Hōnonga a Iwi Restoration

NORTH HARBOUR HOCKEY has invested time and resources in its own sustainability journey, including leading the Te Hōnonga a Iwi Restoring Rosedale Park environmental project and researching climate change. The organisation has shared some of its learnings that might help other SMEs in the region get ready for a very different future.

The United Nations has identified climate change as the greatest existential threat humanity has faced, bringing with it enormous consequences for governments, civilians, and commercial and not-for-profit organisations.

Global warming (the world is 1.2 degrees warmer than before the industrial revolution) has made extreme heat waves, drought, fire, coastal inundation, storms, and atmospheric rivers and flooding commonplace events. Research demonstrates these issues will continue to increase in severity and frequency unless we take immediate action.

The World Economic Forum is forecasting $12.5 trillion in global economic losses by 2050 due to climate change and New Zealand businesses will not be immune to this financial impact.

Now is the time for SMEs to strengthen organisational readiness and resilience through planning for climate change, so that they can carve out space in a future marketplace that will look very different.

This resource highlights some of the predicted impacts of climate change in the context of businesses in Aotearoa and how organisations can mitigate these risks to ensure they are sustainable. It was collated from the Climate Change, Adverse Climate Impacts, Managing Risk, and Creating Opportunities for Small Business Growth in Aotearoa 2024 report written for North Harbour Hockey.

Climate change impacts for Aotearoa businesses

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it outlines some of the risks our businesses face.

• Weather-related disruption to supply chains and distribution pipelines as climate change impacts road, rail, air, and sea travel

• Storms, flooding, fire, rising sea levels, erosion, and landslides causing infrastructure damage to buildings, facilities and factories and services, such as water, fossil fuels and electricity

• Loss of insurance cover or increased insurance costs for at-risk assets

• Increased costs to comply with new climate-related legislation, regulatory pressures or government reform

• New and novel pests and pandemics, which could adversely affect our primary sectors. Horticulture and agriculture are also susceptible to water scarcity and the inability to grow traditional food crops due to changing climate conditions.

• A changing consumer base

As sea levels rise, many of our

Pacific neighbours will be forced to abandon their homes. Australia’s rising temperatures will have severe impacts on its environment and its people. New Zealand may be seen as an attractive proposition for climate change migrants and refugees. Alongside declining population rates locally, this will change the face of our customer base.

• Workforce pressures

As people struggle with personal losses, injuries or increased mental or physical ill-health due to climate change, organisations may have to deal with skilled labour shortages and disruption to business.

• The fallout from global recession and increased geopolitical tensions, civil unrest, and war

Climate change could lead to food, housing, financial, and resource shortages causing unrest between countries over water, and increased competition for fish, minerals and other resources. Climate-related stressors will impact individual and community wellbeing, raise anxiety, feelings of anger or frustration and threaten social unity and cultural identity.

The World Economic Forum is forecasting $12.5 trillion in global economic losses by 2050 due to climate change and New Zealand businesses will not be immune to this financial impact.

Strategies for developing resilience to climate change

Resilience to climate risks can be developed by:

• Increased knowledge of likely climate change impacts on your business operations

• Understanding the future environment (social, environmental and financial) in which business will be operating, including the local and global demographic shifts that will impact consumer pipelines, services and products

• Developing greater understanding of how your business can add future value in a climate-changed environment

• Developing skills, products and services that enable growth in new sectors and markets and attract new investors

• Investing in long term solutions for people, place and planet. Look at developing alternate self-sufficiency targets with renewable energies, waste mitigation, carbon emissions, water, energy and food conservation and management.

• Measuring carbon emissions and committing to a low or zero emissions future

• Understanding legislative and regulatory change well and preparing ahead of time to avoid any penalties for your organisation

• Sharing manufactured capital, infrastructure and operating costs with other commercial and community providers

• Looking at how you can align business actions with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

• Continuing a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and becoming

culturally responsive, ready to welcome future pipelines of customers and workers

• Driving local business-to-business connectivity to create skills networks that facilitate nimble change in complex, integrated environments

• Building relocatable, durable, heat-resistant structures, ensuring structures at ground level can withstand water passing through and future-proofing buildings for fire risk

• Bringing your people and others on the journey, supporting customers, suppliers and commercial partners to contribute towards climate change mitigation and adaptation

• Developing meaningful partnerships with community members who offer unique or new knowledge and insights that strengthen strategic planning, for example valuing indigenous knowledge or youth insights

• Fostering a creative and innovative culture

What SMEs do now will either negatively or positively contribute towards the future of each business in a climatechanged era. There is an urgent need to focus on mitigation of and adaptation to climate change to manage organisational resilience across the next decade so organisations can continue to offer high quality services to their consumers and local communities.

To read more on this topic, download the Climate Change, Adverse Climate Impacts, Managing Risk, and Creating Opportunities for Small Business Growth in Aotearoa 2024 report at restoringrosedalepark.org.nz/ post/climate-change-resource-forbusiness

March’s inorganics collection saves more than 37 cubic metres from landfill

TWENTY-SEVEN LOCAL BUSINESSES registered for March’s collection, once again carried out by BNH’s valued contractor, Abilities Group. In total, 42.5m3 of surplus items were collected, including office furniture, bookshelves, broken desks and kitchen appliances, e-waste, TVs, stationery, old whiteboards, wooden cots, and other bedroom furniture.

5.5m3

BNH’s social responsibility manager Dave Loader thanks all those members who participated, thus saving so much waste from landfill. The next collection will be in September, with the exact dates to be confirmed in due course. Keep an eye on BNH’s EDM for more details.

PolyEmp works with local businesses to help neurodiverse young people into employment

POLYEMP IS A charitable trust that supports young people with learning disabilities towards their goal of sustainable employment. The organisation believes that implementing and embracing neurodiversity brings many benefits, such as a positive workplace culture, enhanced productivity, diverse skill sets, innovation, and a broader customer reach.

Three of PolyEmp’s clients are currently working at local McDonald’s restaurants run by Janbre Group. Sophia and Jarrad are at Constellation Drive, and Marian is at the Albany Freestander. They began with lobby work and have had the opportunity to progress to kitchen duties, including frying the fries and serving drinks, as appropriate. “They enjoy the tasks!” says PolyEmp’s Sita Rajput. “Jarrad was awarded Employee of the Month last December because of his hard work and customers giving good

B Corp

feedback about him to the shift manager via emails.

“The managers are very supportive, and always happy to give them a chance in terms of showing and helping them to learn new tasks,” she continues. “Marian was very nervous when she started last year but has come a long way and is now more independent and confident enough to make her own decisions.”

Sita acknowledges how Janbre Group has supported its neurodivergent employees through some adaptations. “The HR manager adopted inclusive hiring practices, and they are making reasonable adjustments ongoing (e.g., adding new tasks to a role) and encouraging awareness of neurodiversity across the stores and employees.”

Learn more about PolyEmp at poly-emp.org.nz

certification ‘is really just a starting point’

for Pacific Harvest

AWARD-WINNING

EDIBLE SEAWEED specialists Pacific Harvest were thrilled to attain their B Corp certification – just in time for Earth Day!

“We were already very focused on many aspects of sustainability, but the B Corp framework was much wider than I realised, and it has given us a wonderful roadmap for constant improvement across our whole business,” says managing director Hayley Fraser-Mackenzie. “The certification is a milestone we are very proud of. It’s a promise to our customers and a very public way to demonstrate our commitment, but it is really just a starting point.

Lexel Systems partners with Abilities Group to empower community inclusivity

IT SERVICES AND solutions provider Lexel Systems is delighted to announce its community partnership with Abilities Group.

Founded in 1959, Abilities Group “has been a beacon of hope and empowerment, helping individuals with disabilities to achieve independence and contribute to the community,” says the company’s media release. Through this new partnership, Abilities Group is collecting all the IT hardware recycling from Lexel Systems and its customers to help protect the environment and reduce waste.

Procurement services manager Troy McCallum estimates this initiative could save up to 6 tonnes of e-waste from landfill every year. “We are proud to partner with Abilities Group, an organisation whose values align with Lexel’s commitment to community and inclusivity,” he observed.

“I would definitely recommend other businesses to consider becoming certified, especially if their customers value planet health!”

Find out about the many sustainability and health benefits of seaweeds at pacificharvest.co

“We invite our customers, partners, and the public to learn more about Abilities Group and to explore ways they can contribute to making Auckland a more inclusive and supportive community,” added Alison Renwick, Lexel Systems’ marketing manager.

For more information about Abilities Group, visit abilities.co.nz

Auckland Transport welcomes first double-decker electric bus

AS PART OF its “Mission Electric”, Auckland Transport (AT) has welcomed the first double-decker electric bus to the Auckland bus fleet.

Auckland now has 138 zero-emission buses in the fleet, making it the largest number for a New Zealand city and in the top two for the whole of Australasia.

Edward Wright, AT’s Infrastructure and Fleet Specification Manager, says it was exciting to witness the launch. “We are sure our customers will love the experience of travelling on the quieter and smoother bus too.”

Auckland Transport undertakes a regular greenhouse gas emissions inventory to track its progress towards reducing its emissions footprint. The inventory undertaken for the financial year 2021-2022 highlighted that the bus fleet is responsible for 79 per cent of the

organisation’s emissions, emitting 75,530 tonnes of CO2

“This emphasises how critical delivering a fully zero-emission bus fleet is for Auckland Transport,” Mr Wright commented.

An average double-decker diesel bus in the fleet in Auckland consumes 29,485

litres of diesel in a year, which works out to 79,020kgs of CO2 emissions. Introducing this electric double-decker will reduce carbon emissions, on a one-for-one basis, by 79 tonnes per year.

Although electric buses will be introduced to North Shore services, as yet there is no confirmed timeline for this.

Nine out of ten Aucklanders regard public transport as ‘less convenient’ than driving

A RIMU REPORT from the Economic and Social Research and Evaluation team confirms that many Aucklanders regard public transport, cycling, and walking as less convenient, more stressful, and less safe from crime and harassment than driving.

Almost 2,800 people were surveyed in mid-2022 about a recent driving trip. They were also asked about their perceptions of undertaking that trip by public transport, cycling, and walking. Eighty-one per cent of participants reported that making the trip they had described by public transport would be “much less convenient” than driving, and 11 per cent stated it would be “slightly less convenient”. There were three main reasons for this:

• Lack of ease (e.g., disliking having to transfer between services, hard to carry items)

• Timeframes (infrequent services, the journey taking too long overall – twice or more than the perceived driving time)

• Not enough reliable services at the right time

Almost three-quarters of respondents said that public transport would be more stressful than driving, and more than half reported feeling less safe from crime and harassment if taking public transport. Just over 40 per cent of participants stated it would not have been possible for them to do the same trip by bike. Their concerns were mostly around safety: 43 per cent were concerned with busy roads, 42 per cent felt the route was unsafe, and 36 per cent reported that there were no cycleways. There were also concerns around personal capability (i.e., fitness and cycling proficiency).

This research came from the development of the Transport Emissions Reduction Pathway (TERP) adopted by Auckland Council in August 2022, which aims to give effect to Te Tāruke-ā Tāwhiri Auckland’s Climate Plan, which, in turn, commits Auckland to halving emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

An AT spokesperson said: “These results indicate a real need to make public transport competitive with driving, and to make it safe and attractive to walk and cycle, if Auckland’s TERP goals are to be met and if public transport, cycling and walking are to take a greater share of transport in Auckland.”

To read the survey results in more detail, check out knowledgeauckland.org.nz/ media/ksml4zc4/tr2024-02-perceptionsof-public-transport-cycling-walkingauckland-drivers.pdf

The new bus will primarily serve Mt Eden Road, Great North Road, and Dominion Road.

Simple steps to stay vigilant

ACROSS OUR TOTAL Business Improvement District (BID), reported crime incidents did not spike in any way during the first four months of the year.

That said, we must all stay vigilant and not get complacent.

Unfortunately, we do get visiting offenders coming into our area after hours (i.e., at night and on weekends) looking for opportunities to secure any

items of value. Predominantly, vehicle offences are listed as the most common incidents in our area, whether that be theft ex-car (items taken from the vehicle’s interior), attempted theft of the vehicle, or stolen vehicles. Whenever possible, ensure your vehicles are securely parked either inside a premises or in a secure compound.

Premises alarms

All businesses should be alarmed after hours, and when an activation occurs, the alarm should be both audible and monitored by a security company. If you’d like any advice about alarms (including obtaining a quote), don’t hesitate to contact me.

Secure plates service

When vehicle registration plates are stolen, they are used for other criminal activity, most frequently for petrol driveoffs from service stations. Again, contact

me to arrange for your business vehicles’ plates to be secured for free.

Seasonal opportunist crimes

Winter’s here, and we have longer hours of darkness, which provides an extended window for opportunist criminal behaviour to exploit poorly secured items around your site.

So, now’s the time to double-check that all external sensor lighting is good quality and has appropriate coverage. Also, make sure trees and shrubs are trimmed low to prevent cover and hiding places for offenders to operate behind.

CCTV

Ensure your external cameras are operating and recording accurately. CCTV signage stating that cameras are operating can be a deterrent to potential offenders. If you need to refresh your signage, please contact me for assistance.

By Dave Loader, BNH Crime Prevention Specialist crimeprevention@businessnh.org.nz

Stability and expertise!

WHEN IT COMES to finding the right people for you, data is our friendly sidekick, making the entire process more welcoming and efficient. Here are a few ways we use data in the world of recruitment.

Fair and Inclusive Selection

Data-driven recruitment ensures every candidate gets a fair shot. It’s like having an unbiased friend who evaluates candidates based on their skills, not their personal attributes.

Better Job-Match

Think of data as a matchmaking friend. It helps us find candidates whose skills and experience align perfectly with your job requirements, increasing the chances of finding that ideal fit for your team.

Speedy Hiring

Using data streamlines the hiring process, helping us find the right candi-

dates faster. Reducing the waiting time and getting new team members onboarded quickly means you can get on with what you need to.

Building a Friendly Talent Pool

Data is like a virtual Rolodex of potential candidates. This friendly resource reduces the stress of finding new talent when positions become available.

Savings and Efficiency

Data-driven recruitment is like a financial advisor. It helps us allocate our resources more effectively, saving you time and money to spend where it matters most.

A Personalised Candidate Journey

With data, we can create a warm and personalised candidate experience. It’s like being a great host, making potential talent feel welcomed and valued.

Job Descriptions that Speak to Candidates

Data helps us to craft job descriptions that resonate with your candidates, talking their language, and making your openings more appealing.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Data analysis acts as a friendly mirror, reflecting areas where we can be more inclusive and diverse. It’s all about creating a supportive and welcoming workplace for all.

At Purple Ink, we think of data as a trusted resource, guiding us toward better hiring decisions, smoother processes, and a more inclusive and inviting workplace. It’s a win-win for your organisation and the job seekers we engage with!

Can a business move prior to lease expiry?

THIS IS A common question, and many businesses and property owners may not be aware that it is possible. There are many reasons why companies wish to relocate: for example, cost savings, expansion, reduction of staff numbers, or simply to move closer to home. It is important to know the options available.

You and your landlord could both agree to end the lease early – but the landlord has no obligation to do this and may request surrender of lease costs.

Other options are an assignment or a sub-lease.

If the tenant transfers their lease and remaining interest in the tenancy, the transfer is known as an assignment. Under an assignment, the lease is assigned or transferred to a new tenant or assignee and the lease obligations are transferred to the assignee.

If the tenant transfers only part of their interest, the transfer is known as a sub-lease. When sub-leasing, you lease out all or part of it to another tenant or sub-tenant, but your obligations under the lease remain the same.

Before sub-letting or assigning your lease, it is vital that you first look through your lease agreement and ensure no clause would prevent you from doing so. Both options require the property owner’s consent, but it cannot be unreasonably withheld.

When you have signed an agency agreement with your real estate agent, your agent has a fiduciary care to you and may find a replacement tenant under

Accelerating success.

a new lease with your landlord. Note that the landlord is not expected to pay the agent’s commission; it is the responsibility of the outgoing tenant.

We always recommend you seek legal advice prior to signing any legal documentation.

Janet Marshall is a director at Colliers North Shore, a business mentor at BMNZ and board executive with Business North Harbour and Takapuna Beach Business Association. Contact Janet on 021 684 775 or email janet.marshall@colliers.com for sales or leasing enquiries.

Accelerating success.

High profile premises in Bush Road, located on the corner of Bush Road and William Pickering Drive. These modern offices offer a generous 18 carparks, most of which are covered.

To request a viewing or for further information, please contact Janet Marshall 021 684 775.

Accelerating success.

Helping the healing power of nature to blossom

SINCE ITS INCEPTION in 2015, Well Foundation (formerly the North Shore Hospital Foundation) has raised over $13.5 million for more than 70 health projects to benefit the local community.

These projects are generally driven by a clinical need to help deliver improved care, experiences, and outcomes for patients and their whānau. However, they are potentially “over and above” what tax-payer dollars might be expected to fund. They’ve included contributions to the expanded and refurbished Special Care Baby Unit, an early intervention pilot programme for youth mental health, the North Shore Hospital Chapel, new state-of-art medical equipment, urodynamics training, and a children’s therapy play area, to name just a few. “Many of the extra comforts that people benefit from in hospitals are provided thanks to community support – but most people aren’t aware of this,” explains chief executive Ruth Morse. “A foundation will likely supply that comfy armchair that an expectant father can recline in or the overnight pulldown bed next to a child’s hospital bed. If we didn’t have hospital foundations, those things probably wouldn’t be there.”

Fundraising projects are carefully selected. “They’re often ones that we know our donors will want to get behind or that people will think ‘Wow, we really need that!’”

One of Well Foundation’s current projects will almost certainly impact everyone reading this article, directly or indirectly, as it’s integral to the new surgical and medical hospital building soon to open on the North Shore Hospital campus. “We all use the hospital at some time. It could be for something as joyous as having a baby, treatment for ill health, or visiting a loved one. But, one way or another, we know that all of us on the Shore have a touch point with the hospital.”

had views of nature, and the other side had views of the concrete car park. People on the nature side had fewer pain meds, got out quicker, had less distress, and lower blood pressure!”

benefits for businesses looking for a strategic sponsorship opportunity that delivers on their business objectives. Or there are opportunities to sponsor or attend events (e.g., golf days), provide auction items, and much more.

The Healing Garden will fill the new hospital building’s central atrium with lush greenery, enhancing the ambience and bringing physical and mental health benefits. Before committing to the project, Ruth says they wanted evidence that it could genuinely improve people’s wellbeing.

“More than 40 studies support the use of green spaces in health care, and they all point to better outcomes, with some noting reduced stress and improved wellbeing. There was a very robust scientific study in Philadelphia where patients down one side of the hospital building

Initially, Ruth says they weren’t sure how potential donors and sponsors would respond to this appeal, as it wasn’t for a piece of clinical equipment, but the support has been heart-warming as people recognise its many benefits, and we’ve had so many messages from people saying, ‘I wish there had been a space like this when I was in hospital, it would have made all the difference.’”

Get involved!

“Donating to the Healing Garden appeal is a great way for a business to show support for something that will resonate with all of their employees and customers because the hospital is the one place in our community with which everyone will have an interaction.”

There are other ways to support Well Foundation’s work, too, including becoming a key partner, which has many

Ruth concludes, “We enjoy keeping an open dialogue with businesses, finding something that’s right for them and their budget. We’ve got a ‘small business, big heart’ club, and bigger sponsorships from larger organisations. And we love to make sure that those partnerships are win-win. Please get in touch so we can talk about what would be most meaningful for your business.”

info@wellfoundation.org.nz wellfoundation.org.nz/contact 09 447 0138

Ruth Morse

Our Mission: Working with Asian families and communities to be healthy and resilient

ASIAN FAMILY SERVICES was established in 1998 to provide counselling, public health education, and support for all Asians in New Zealand. Our staff at Asian Family Services are passionate about what they do and are dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives.

Asian Helpline

Our Asian Helpline helps Asian people in New Zealand to access appropriate counselling support. Our counsellors provide helpful information and services to those who are experiencing gambling harm or Covid-19 related mental distress, such as depression and anxiety.

We receive over 3,000 phone calls per year. Most people call us to enquire about:

• Support for gambling harm

• Emotional support

• Crisis intervention

• General information (e.g., how to navigate New Zealand’s health and social systems)

Our operators provide up-to-date information to help all our callers. It is important to note that our Asian Helpline is not a crisis helpline. However, if a caller presents suicidal ideation, our duty counsellors will assess their risk level and provide appropriate interventions accordingly.

Human Factors: a key to business success

IN BUSINESS, SUCCESS is often measured by numbers. However, at Bolster Risk Management, we believe that the measure of success includes the human factors. These factors, such as performance, safety, and reliability, make it easy for people to do the right thing and hard to do the wrong thing.

As a financial adviser specialising in small businesses, we understand the unique challenges faced by teams of 5-20 people. One of the solutions we offer is ‘Group Schemes’, a comprehensive package of health and life insurance benefits. These schemes cover most pre-existing health conditions and are cost-effective, often costing less than a modest pay rise.

But the true value of these schemes goes beyond their monetary worth. Employees perceive these benefits as a sign of their employer’s care and commitment, which in turn fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty. This leads to superior talent attraction and retention – a crucial aspect for any thriving business.

Call our Asian Helpline on 0800 862 342, Monday to Friday, 9.00 am-8.00 pm. We have operators who can speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai, and Hindi. help@asianfamilyservices.nz asianfamilyservices.nz

Moreover, research has shown that good staff benefits not only help employees feel valued but also boost productivity. Some studies even suggest a return on investment of up to 12 per cent on the cost.

By focusing on human factors and providing valuable group schemes, businesses can create a positive work environment that promotes both personal growth and business success. After all,

businesses are not just about numbers; they are about people too.

Ask me how group schemes can benefit your firm.