Auckland today magazine 101

Issue 101 | September/October 2013

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Soft landings How do you test US market waters without having to jump in at the deep? Simple - give John Holt at Kiwi Landing Pad a call

Backing Auckland to succeed John Key outlines National’s commitment to our town

Breaking the gridlock Auckland’s grand transport plan

How to create customer loyalty It’s pretty simple and pays off handsomely

Apply yourself The definitive run down of the best business apps

Don’t worry, be happy How to beat stress in the workplace

Power moves Prepaid electricity store Powershop CEO Ari Sargent talks about shaking up an industry

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News | Initiatives | Interviews | Personalities | Success | Profiles | Finance | Property | Sustainability | Export | Transport | Retail | Solutions | ISSN 2230-6188

Issue 100 September/October 2013

In this issue...

Viewpoints

Features

In Business

6. Management

11. Ten marketing myths

40. Property and Construction

Business consultant Kevin Vincent says effective delegation is a win-win situation

6. Legal

12. Overcoming objections

to price

Malley and Co lawyer Michael McKay questions whether business interruption insurance keeps you in the game

Issue 101

35,336 ABC circulation as at 31/06/13

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ISSN 1173-1508 (Print) | ISSN 2230-6188 (Online)

Auckland’s grand transport plan

16. How to create

customer loyalty

Customer loyalty works in the same way as befriending a cat – it takes time and patience, but once you earn its loyalty, you have them for life. The same goes for your customers.

8. HR

18. Apply yourself

Essential HR director Mike Johnson dishes out some good advice about how to keep key staff

The definitive run down of the best business apps

20. Don’t worry, be happy

HRINZ Auckland president Angela Atkins on the legalities of pay packets in differing situations

How to find your fluffy in the workplace

Enterprize Steel, Progressive Foundations, New Zealand Landscape Supplies, Fit-Easy Door Company, Drain Surgeons, Keith Hay Homes, Craftstone, Stainless Kitchens, Scot Thrust, Box Living, QPC Builders, EnviroSpec and Total Property Worx

65. Engineering and Manufacturing

How precision tool maker E G Whiter built itself into a multi-million dollar business

66. Business Development

Getting your next conference connected, inside retail design science with Design Environments and software solutions from Magic Macros

74. Boating and Marine

Casting away with Seahorse Equipment’s kontiki, Hi Tech Plastics’ marine mouldings and Total Trim Canvas and Upholstery’s quality coverings

78. Hospitality 21. Asked and answered

Flavour to savour at Sidart Restaurant, classic Italian at Dante’s Pizza and Catalina Café’s distinctive style

9. Tactics

24. Cover story

85. Focus

Accountable Business Progress boss, Colin Clapp says there is no box to think outside of

Martin Wouters from ManageACC asks if you’re paying more than need be

Real life operational boggles solved for you

Jonathon Taylor EDITOR Melinda Collins CHIEF REPORTER Davina Richards JOURNALISTS Marie Sherry

Phone: Fax: Email:

7. Backing Auckland

to succeed

9. Operations

NEWSROOM

Phone: Fax: Email:

Labour leader David Shearer on injecting life into a vital sector

8. HR

Di Barclay

Grant Williams Melissa Sinclair Anthony Patrickson Annie Scott-Williams Warren Wilks Shimrit Amir Seth Riley Clive Greenwood Kayte John Rob Cochrane

Richard Gee’s four steps to convince clients your price is right

14. Breaking the gridlock

7. Manufacturing Auckland Today

Common misnomers dispelled in simple steps

How do you test US market waters without having to jump in at the deep end and risk drowning? Simple - give the guys at Kiwi Landing Pad a call

Getting a gauge on Teltherm Instruments, Majik Video Systems and Scallop fever returns to Whitianga

91. Goods and Services

10. Online

30. Do you have a strategy or

just a goal?

92. Transport and Motoring

Website specialist Suzanne Carter’s simple tips to help bring you website up to scratch

10. Events diary

This is where you find out what’s on near you

Having goals doesn’t guarantee success – you need a clear strategy to achieve them

32. Power moves

Prepaid electricity store Powershop

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34. The comeback kid

Nick Smith’s emerges from the

Auckland Panel and Paint Group has the crew to get you back on track, Freight Lines marks its half century and shifting up at The Gearbox Factory

CEO Ari Sargent talks about shaking up an industry

Reader rewards in this issue…

• Get a free one hour consultation with Martz Group on page 3 • Access over $50,000 in renovator savings via the Auckland Home Show on page 15 • Get a free report from Tax Debt Brokers on page 17 • Save thousands with Catalyst 2 on page 19 • Stay two nights and get a third for free at the Auckland City Hotel on page 23 • Get a free website audit from Zeald on page 33 • Get a 10 percent discount at the Paihia Beach Resort and Spa on the inside back cover

Visiting Koha Stones for the inside word on the art and craft of stonework

Cover photography by Brady Dyer of Brady Dyer Photography. www.bradydyer.com

political wilderness with his sights set firmly on the future

38. Lifestyles

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often below eight percent before tax and the rising costs of insurance, together with the uncertainty of possible earthquake damage, combine to make property a poor investment choice.

We are a pair of former GMs/CEOs with 40 years of management and consulting experience who have worked with or consulted to more than 60 companies. If our business managers don’t know how to do something then we work with them to achieve it, drawing on our experience, our intellectual property or building a solution from first principles.

Please take the time to read more about us. We aspire to the highest levels of professionalism in everything the fund does and we hope that you find the solution you were seeking through Challenge Partners. That said, please feel free to contact us for any clarifications you may need.

Challenge Partners provides our investors the ability to share in and contribute to the decisions, direction and ultimately the excellent cash flows available from good industrial business ownership.

Property investment can provide regular cashflow, but yields are

Investing in today’s economic environment to achieve the appropriate returns is not easy!

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Our investors consist of successful business people with varying backgrounds and networks. Be part of this successful group and share in the excellent cash flows, quality returns and ultimately the capital gain from being part of this exclusive group.

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Viewpoints | Management/Legal

Effective delegation it's a win-win Kevin Vincent is a director of business improvement consultants Vincent and Nugent Limited Visit www.vincentnugent.co.nz

Wikipedia states that “Delegation (or deputation) is the assignment of authority and responsibility to another person (normally from a manager to a subordinate) to carry out specific activities. However, the person who delegated the work remains accountable for the outcome of the delegated work. Delegation empowers a subordinate to make decisions, i.e. it is a shift of decision-making authority from one organisational level to a lower one.

“Delegation, if properly done, is not abdication. The opposite of effective delegation is micromanagement, where a manager provides too much input, direction, and review of delegated work. In general, delegation is good and can save money and time, help in building skills and motivate people. Poor delegation, on the other hand, might cause frustration and confusion to all the involved parties.”

If done correctly delegation is a win-win process. The person delegating wins, the delegate wins and the result will also be a win. Delegation is a skill we all should learn and embrace.

With good delegation understanding we can choose to delegate a task so that you will free up time to perform other tasks. We can also assist other people to become familiar with various tasks.

Effective delegation can make your team stronger, more resilient, more focused, motivated and promote improved communication and transparency.

Benefits of effective delegation include having more time and energy to focus on other perhaps more important tasks, you will reduce time spent worrying on prioritising your time, you will encourage colleagues to grow their competencies thereby making them more confident in their contributions and sense of value, you will create a “team” environment, you demonstrate

professionalism and effectiveness and build a culture of trust and collaboration.

And there is of course a downside if not done correctly. You will create negative morale, an untrusting environment and bad feelings.

If the delegation is not for the benefit of the delegate or the company, then it is probable that it is simply passing off work that should have been completed by the delegator.

Don’t be the person who delegates all the stuff you don’t choose to do. This is purely and simply laziness.

Delegate the interesting bits where the delegate can learn and grow and when they do achieve the task make sure you praise them give them the credit they deserve.

Effective delegation is about obtaining positive outcomes and not dumping.

Be encouraged to consider more delegation.

It will help your business by building up others skills and knowledge to complete various tasks.

I am sure you will find the tasks will be still be completed and just possibly have even better outcomes than you imagined.

Choose people you know would appreciate the opportunities, who want to grow and trust them to do the task. Ensure they are well briefed – that they know the expected outcomes and have review sessions with them.

Learning to delegate is a skill which is critically important to developing and maintaining strong companies. Like many other management skills, delegating is a process which involves setting goals, careful planning, and follow-up.

To do it well we need to change the way we think about asking other people to participate.

Delegating means sharing the workload, but it also means sharing the fun and satisfaction that come from accomplishing something.

Remember to follow up during the process with regular meetings, mentoring and coaching. When the task is accomplished – congratulate them and credit them for the good work achieved.

6 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Does your insurance keep you in the game?

Michael McKay is a lawyer with Malley & Co and has experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution. He has acted in disputes for and against building inspectors, franchisees and shareholders and is acting for several insured in relation to issues arising from the Canterbury earthquakes.

A leading English insurance expert says the point of business interruption (BI) insurance is to ensure a business promptly returns to comparative health and is “still in the game” after an insured event.

visiting the affected area after the relevant event, it would be excluded under another circumstances clause.

Some businesses promptly adjusted their BI policy after the February 2011 earthquake.

However, we are still seeing businesses question whether their policy strikes the correct balance between covering gross profit lost as result of an insured event (as defined in their policy) and covering the cost of replacing damaged stock and premises.

Lessons

Cover comes at a cost and when lodging a claim under a BI policy for a reduction in gross profit, businesses may face some issues about what caused the loss.

Insurance for reduction in gross profit Many BI policies insure for a reduction in gross profit arising from damage to insured property. Some BI policies have an extension that covers loss of gross profit arising from damage to property, other than that of the insured business.

Nearly all BI policies however, contain an “adjustments” or “other circumstances” clause, which tries to refine which types of loss trigger recovery of reduced gross profit.

Insurance is about indemnifying an insured for the losses specified in the policy and, in this sense, other circumstances clauses are not objectionable. The clauses are often worded differently between policies, but have a common purpose: to distinguish a reduction in gross profit that would not have occurred but for damage to the insured property (covered) from reductions that are likely to have occurred even if the property had not been damaged (not covered).

For example, many Canterbury businesses experienced a reduction in gross profit after the earthquakes, as did businesses in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. If the reduction in gross profit occurred because of damage to the businesses’ property, it was likely to be covered. If however, the loss was due to fewer potential customers

This has unfortunately been described as the “depopulation” effect, but the principle has broader application. Causation might be questioned, for example, if a key person had left the business shortly before the February 2011 earthquake.

Predicting the future is necessarily uncertain. If part of a claim has been rejected because it was caused by an uninsured event, there should be evidence to support the claimed causation.

The other circumstances clause may not prove a significant obstacle to promptly resolving a BI claim for businesses with several outlets, as they can compare the performance of a similar store in another location with the damaged outlet. The Canterbury earthquakes did illustrate however, that in other cases determining the cause(s) for a reduction in gross profit can be difficult and time consuming.

Is there a way forward?

We understand that, for an additional premium, many BI policies in Australia could include a “loss of attraction” extension. The extension is rare in New Zealand, but we encourage businesses to consider whether the additional premium is worth the peace of mind.

A business ought to review its circumstances and determine, with the guidance of an insurance broker, what type of cover is appropriate and affordable. We know some businesses have reduced the sum insured under the gross profit section of their BI policy or abandoned that part of the insurance altogether because of the causation issues.

They say they have redeployed the premium to increase the sum insured for stock and other operating assets. The value of operating assets is not without its issues, but for those businesses replacing those assets is particularly important to trading again.

What will your business need to still be in the game?

Viewpoints | Politics

Manufacturing matters

David Shearer is the MP for Mt Albert and leader of the Labour Party

Our manufacturing sector has been in decline for years. Last year 17,000 manufacturing jobs were lost and just last month 84 jobs were lost at aviation manufacturer Safe Air in Blenheim. Manufactured exports outside of the primary sector are in long term decline and have fallen by 17 percent in real terms since 2008.

In fact, the good news in manufacturing is a direct result of bad news. The Canterbury rebuild and the primary sector are the only real drivers of manufacturing activity – and recent growth in the meat industry is largely a result of farmers sending more stock to the works because of this year’s drought.

It is a failure of successive governments that we find ourselves relying on natural disasters to prop up our manufacturing base. We can and must do better than that.

Most of what we sell to the world we’ve been selling for decades - dairy products, meat and wood. That’s not enough by itself to deliver the sort of high wage jobs New Zealand needs.

Manufacturing matters. It is vital to our economic prosperity. For every dollar manufacturers turn over, the economy turns over $1.74. And every job created in manufacturing creates another two to five jobs in a flow-on effect. It is a wealth creator and a job creator.

If we want to create a job-rich, high wage economy, we need to get real about supporting our manufacturers. Otherwise we will continue to be a training ground for Australian businesses, and watch 50,000 Kiwis fly across the Tasman each year on a one-way ticket.

Manufacturers are doing all they can.

They’re working hard, they’re innovating and they’re not asking for hand-outs. But they aren’t getting a break. Governments around the world make sure their exporters and manufacturers have an advantage, but in New Zealand the Government sits on the sidelines, hands off.

So what needs to be done?

The recent parliamentary inquiry into the future of manufacturing received submissions from more than a hundred businesses, workers’ groups and experts. They told us about the barriers to success and what needs to change so that our productive sectors can thrive.

Top of the list is tackling our overvalued and volatile dollar. The high currency is crippling exporting manufacturers. They need a level playing field to compete internationally.

We must overhaul the Reserve Bank Act – written for a different era – and make a competitive currency a priority. The Government says it’s too hard. It’s not even prepared to try. But unless we modernise our monetary policy, as other countries have, our over valued currency will continue to strangle our exporters.

We also need a smarter tax system. A capital gains tax would help rebalance the economy by refocusing investment into businesses rather than the Auckland property market.

Research and development tax credits are also vital to stimulating innovation. Most OECD countries already have them.

Our R&D rates are woeful by world standards.

Sure, the Government can’t fix that overnight, or by itself, but it can create an environment that gives companies the incentive to take risks and innovate. We can either adapt and create our own luck, or sit back and watch as the rest of the world overtakes us.

We should also be giving Kiwi companies the first crack at government contracts. Each year the government spends $30 billion on goods and services. It makes sense to put local companies at the front of the queue for securing government contracts.

I know New Zealand’s economy can be stronger, more diverse and innovative. We should not be content to rely so heavily on the primary industries – as important and successful as they are.

But we’ll only get there with a hands-on government that plays its part.

Backing Auckland to succeed

By Rt Hon John Key, Prime Minister

In June, I outlined the Nationalled Government’s vision for road and rail transport in Auckland, including a series of announcements about various projects in the region.

The city of Auckland is hugely important to the future of New Zealand, not just as a commercial centre and our primary gateway into New Zealand, but also as our international face competing against other great Pacific Rim cities.

It’s crucial for every New Zealander that Auckland is successful. That’s why the Government is continuing to back Auckland to succeed.

There has been some debate in the media recently about the level of population growth Auckland will have during coming years and decades.

While having a proper estimate of projected growth is important for planners and policy makers, what is undeniable is that Auckland is set to grow substantially.

That growth will require heavy investment in new infrastructure if the city is to cope with the rising population.

Auckland needs a cohesive, efficient transport system combining roads, rail and other public transport to meet the needs of its growing population and to improve its contribution to the nation’s economic growth.

The Government has been spending more than ever before on building the city’s transport network. Currently we are investing around $1 billion a year. That includes funding for state highways, local roads, rail and other public transport subsidies.

These are the City Rail Link, an additional Waitemata Harbour crossing and the combined Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) and East-West Link.

I also announced the acceleration of three other projects on the state highway network in the Auckland region to address congestion, capitalise on the benefits of the Western Ring Route, and improve access to the airport.

These three projects are completing a motorway-to-motorway link between the Upper Harbour Highway and the Northern Motorway at Constellation Drive, widen the Southern Motorway between Manukau and Papakura, and upgrade State Highway 20A link to the airport to motorway standard.

While all these projects I outlined are known of, and are in some cases on the drawing board, we have put stakes in the ground in terms of backing them, even if some won’t come into fruition until well into the next decade.

We are pragmatically getting on with the job and delivering the infrastructure that Auckland needs to succeed.

Auckland residents want a government that is concentrated on helping make their city a better place to work and live in.

Those improvements will also make the city a better place for businesses – that employ so many people – to thrive in.

And it will make it a better place for visitors when they arrive in New Zealand’s gateway.

I want to see a vibrant, successful, international city; one that its residents are proud to call home and one that provides for their needs and aspirations. That’s what the Government I lead is focused on.

Aucklanders will see the culmination of much of this investment within the next four years.

In my speech in June, I outlined a major package of next generation projects that we can look forward to advancing in the years ahead.

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 7

Viewpoints | HR

Retaining key staff

Help! What do I have to legally pay my employees?

Angela Atkins is GM of Elephant Training and HR, president of the HRINZ and a bestselling author.

Visit www.elephanthr.co.nz

Mike Johnson is the director of Essential HR with 16 years international experience in South Africa and South East Asia and 11 years as a senior HR manager in New Zealand.

Visit www.essentialhr.co.nz

It was quick and simple – the incoming CEO moved three key advisory positions to report to the general manager instead of to herself. Less work for her, but within six months all three had left, taking significant knowledge with them and leaving a sizable recruitment headache.

Was it good for business? No. Why did it happen? Because the CEO didn’t consider the needs of the individual managers.

With a little consultation and a tweak to the structure, their needs could have been met and the above debacle avoided; yet, regularly in the business world, good individuals are motivated to move because they don’t want to stay! I remain amazed by this, as there are plenty of reasons for companies to bother making a serious attempt at keeping staff working for them for the long haul.

This article is the first in a series designed to make employers more aware of why they should seek to retain staff and how to make that happen. Most businesses understand that any employee attrition will cost, as the intervening recruitment process and loss of productivity can be both time consuming and expensive (estimates are up to the annual salary for the position). However, the loss of a key staff member is not just about a monetary figure as it can be a huge blow in other ways: Strategically it can limit core business capability (at least for a time). I know of a construction company who only had one person with the registered skills to deliver a key element of their services. When this guy left unexpectedly they were left with an expensive problem in the form of contracts they no longer had the expertise for. Loss of staff can also lead to the loss of important organisational knowledge. In some situations it can remove a potential successor for the business, which can impact significantly on its resale value.

Staff retention is essential to continued commercial success.

The key to keeping staff is understanding who is important, why they might leave and addressing this… it is not primarily a matter of dollars.

So, stop and think about who is really important to your business. Look out for all staff, but plan retention strategically. Focus on your long term view for your business.

Ask yourself: What will happen to your industry? What plans do you have for change?

What core skills will you need to achieve this? What skills do you need to be able to continue delivering to current standards? What knowledge is core to your business? And who has or needs to have these knowledge and skills?

These are the key people in your business, they are strategically important. They may be current top performers, future stars for your organisation, or stalwarts (those individuals who hold everyone together and are a source of your core knowledge). These you must look after.

Do you have casual or temp staff?

Or pay commission? Make sure you’re not caught out with any of these curly issues when you’re paying people.

A full time permanent pay is fairly simple – it’s either an hourly rate or a salary. But it can get hairy when you have people working casual or temp hours or you’re paying commission.

At Elephant we advise a number of clients who have employees working on all kinds of arrangements and in some cases, we find they are not paying what they should be and are at risk. The top two issues are commission payments and casuals/temps payments for public holidays.

Let’s look at commission first. Have a read of our first case study and see if you can answer correctly!

Case study one: Water Cooler

Remember, it doesn’t matter how committed and happy your employees may seem, it is important to put effort into maintaining their satisfaction – particularly where top talent can be poached easily through passive media such as LinkedIn and Facebook, even when your staff aren’t actively searching for something new!

Ben is doing some part time work in the evenings selling water coolers over the phone to make some extra money.

There are many reasons why people might leave an organisation, but it is important to remember that “the largest predictor of whether someone will stay with an organisation is their satisfaction with their immediate boss,” (Jay Conger, The Practice of Leadership: Developing the next generation of Leaders).

A: Yes as he’s on commission, he only gets paid for the units he sells – so he’ll just have to get better at selling.

Poor culture, little respect and recognition for efforts, and a lack of communication and clarity are also push factors, as is the level of flexibility offered by employers. As I stated above, it is also critically important to treat people as individuals and help deliver what they need – if you want to keep them.

Better work opportunities and better pay do, of course, still pull people into new jobs and organisations however, people generally stay with security; if they are happy where they are, it takes a lot more to make them move.

Can you sell?

If so, we want you !

8 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

He’s been put on commission only and is not doing well! He’s earned $10 in four nights and asks you is that right? Which would you reply?

B: If he is on a casual agreement he should also get eight percent holiday pay – so if the $10 per unit doesn’t include that, he should be paid this as an extra payment.

Next up is casual or temporary employees.

Here is a case study that came up recently.

Case study two: Easter Eggs Ben normally works Monday to Friday. He’s worked four hours on Good Friday and eight hours on Easter Sunday. He asks how much he will be paid. Do you answer?

A: T1.5 for 12 hours and two alternate holidays.

B: T1.5 for 12 hours but only one alternate holiday as Sunday is not a normal working day.

C: T1.5 for 4 hrs, ordinary time for eight and one alternate holiday.

D: Same as C but with two alternate holidays.

The answer? C. Easter Sunday isn’t a public holiday so Ben would only get ordinary time for those eight hours and the T1.5 for Easter Friday! As it’s also an ordinary day he gets an alternate holiday to take another time.

With casuals who have fluctuating hours you need to look back over the last four weeks to see if they worked that day (e.g. a Monday).

If they did and they work, they’ll get T1.5 and an alternate holiday (even if they are casual).

However, if they’ve only worked the last two Mondays, they’ll just get T1.5 only.

If you’re unsure about payments, check with MBIE or your HR consultant.

Next time I’m going to test you out on what you can do if Ben is spending too much time on Facebook or sending too many emails.

C: He is still entitled to minimum wage of $13.75 per hour for the hours worked.

D: The minimum wage doesn’t apply.

And the answer is... drumroll please… he should still get minimum wage (C).

B also applies if he’s a casual (but we’ll come to that in a minute). So if you do have someone who isn’t good at selling and earns under minimum wage, they could complain to MBIE (former Department of Labour) and you may be issued with a notice to back pay them minimum pay. . les people , nting for sa llphone bill is huge roup is hu ce G ur ng yo hi is y, bl rt Pu pa y e th em of ad e th, the Ac you the lif Due to grow g for you if you are in can sell! u yo d an We are look … iday drinks ssential you love Fr everyone scipline is e to talk to ethic and di our appreciated k or w ur nd be able a ss ne si bu • Yo sty is a must – hum of ne erstanding and • Ho ill need a good und g training ’s u w nd on-goin O a Yo CE al o iti t • in le

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Viewpoints | Tactics/Operations

There is no box to think outside of

Looking at your ACC levies

Martin Wouters has a background in accounting and managing return to work programmes. His company, ManageACC, is designed to ensure helping businesses navigate ACC. For more information visit www. manageacc.info or email info@manageacc.info

Colin Clapp is the ‘chief thinking officer’ at Accountable Business Progress. His team helps to turn good businesses into great companies. www.accountable.co.nz

The traditional attitude towards business is to ‘think outside the box’ – to brainstorm without constraint in the hopes that you will find a new way of doing things. However, there really isn’t a box to think outside of.

That’s right! There is no box. And even if there was one, every person and company’s box is different. All our thinking is shaped by our beliefs, preconceptions, values and knowledge – which is different for every individual and business. In other words, we’ll always be thinking differently.

You might be attempting to look outside the box for new ideas, creativity or innovative approaches to your business problems, but what is wrong inside the box? You don’t need to think outside the box, but harness the creativity within it.

you act on it. What potential goldmine is buried in your business?

Here are a few proven tips to help you breathe some life into your ideas with some thanks going to David Schwartz and his book The Magic of Thinking Big. Don’t let ideas escape Ideas die very quickly if they are not committed to paper. Your memory is a weak slave when it comes to preserving and nurturing brand new ideas. So first things first, capture your ideas on paper (or some suitable app) and file them for safekeeping.

It’s also important to ensure these ideas are kept at the forefront of your mind. If you let a great idea sit at the back of your draw you may be reaching out for it when it’s too late. People come up with great ideas every day – you want to be the individual that did something with those ideas, rather than forgetting about them.

As we all think so differently, it is more efficient to focus on what we already know and the ideas we cultivate from this. By ensuring a systematic process is applied to turning great ideas into actions, your business and team can constantly grow and learn from the collective ideas and actions. Ultimately, everybody’s minds (boxes) will grow bigger.

Fertilise your ideas

In Tactics; The Art and Science of Success, the man who first termed ‘lateral thinking’, Edward de Bono, talked to 50 men and women who have been outstandingly successful in their fields. Among a variety of styles, he summarised that “creativity and the ability to see things differently and to think new thoughts” were a common trait that applied to many of these people.

Get into action

Research the field. Read up as much as you can. Talk to people. Cultivate your ideas into something bigger. The collective creativity and knowledge of your team and business can help develop an idea from something good, to something great.

People often bury ideas because they are afraid to act on them. There is no point waiting until conditions are perfect before you act. Take action with the knowledge that there will always be future obstacles and difficulties and you can meet these problems as they arise. Thinking in terms of now gets things accomplished, Without new thoughts and ideas you wouldn’t whilst thinking in terms of someday or be surrounded by any physical object or sometime usually means failure. service you are currently using. Everything It’s time to stop looking outside the box. That you can see and touch started as an idea in was just a phrase dreamed up by someone someone’s head. Invariably someone saw a that stuck. Your box will never expand to the problem, got an idea how to solve it, and now place you’re thinking outside of until you you and I pay for the solution. learn to thrive within it The difference between those ideas and the ones you may still be carrying around in your head is that they were acted upon. Ideas are everywhere and your's (or your employee's) could be as valuable as the next person's – if

Based on current statistics, around 75 percent of all businesses and self employed people are overpaying their ACC levies. The reason for this is that most folk just do not know how ACC works and what is available to them.

Historically accountants have been the ACC gatekeepers for employers however, given we have now dealt with more than 250 accounting firms in New Zealand, it’s fair to say their knowledge of ACC is very limited. In their defence, this is hardly surprising given that ACC is a specialist area in its own right and actually has little to do with accounting.

As an ex-accountant, I have to ask would you go to your accountant for HR, case management, health and safety or insurance advice? Yet your ACC levy is impacted by all these - either through leading to a discount as in the health and safety space, or increasing your ACC risk profile (and thereby your cost) through employing high risk staff or having inadequate employment contracts.

The ACC brokering service, which is unique in New Zealand, has been around for more than two years. The brokering system uses the same information ACC uses to set your levies and the majority of the time (some 75 percent) will come up with a lower total value. The reason for this is in how your levies are calculated, as ACC only looks at the core information and not what can be done.

I am often asked if there is an ideal client or whether a particular industry is better suited for getting the saving. In effect the average saving is 23 percent, across all industries and includes self employed, as well as companies employing hundreds of staff. By default blue collar tends to have higher ACC bills so their dollar savings tend to be higher as a result.

shareholders have to be on the same levy code as the business. This is incorrect as shareholders can be on levy codes that best suits what they do in the business.

There are exceptions of course. For example, if you are a husband and wife team or have multiple shareholders, there is a very high chance one or more can be on a different levy code – a much lower code like administration or management.

It is important that you understand the ACC discount schemes such as the Workplace Safety Management Practises (WSMP) or Workplace Safety Discounts (WSD). These can save a company or self employed person a lot of money. On April 1, 2013 ACC opened up the WSD to all industries, rather than the seven high risk ones they had prior to April 1.

What this means is that all self employed and employers who have 10 fulltime staff or less, or payroll of under $537,000, are now eligible for a 10 percent saving on their ACC levies. The saving is for a three year period if they have a basic level of health and safety in place.

The company I work for has created the only online WSD specific module available in the country that you work through at your own pace. The module meets the ACC criteria as well as OSH, so you will not only have completed what ACC needs you to complete, you will also have a working health and safety system. It takes between one to four hours to complete depending on your knowledge. For most businesses and self employed, the first year’s saving will be greater than the cost of the online module.

Employer ACC invoices will be delivered from August to October, so this is a great time for you to get your ACC levies reviewed.

It would seem people do not know what they are actually paying for, so by taking the time to review, two things are achieved. Firstly it clarifies the cover you have (or do not have as the case may be). Secondly it makes sure you are paying bottom dollar for your cover.

There are many misconceptions about ACC levies and one we often see is that

ACC RULE CHANGE – SAVE 10% ON YOUR LEVIES FOR 3 YEARS AS OF 1 APRIL 2013 Workplace Safety Discounts (WSD)

WSD Module

How it Works

Cost

An ACC initiative that gives you 10% discount on your workers levy per year for 3 years. To get the discounts you have to show you have the following four things in place: Hazards / Incidents & Accidents / Staff Training (including you) / Emergency Management

The WSD module has been specifically designed to get the 10% discount and get your health and safety up to a proper standard as determined by ACC.

1 2 3 4 5

$149 +gst self employed $399 +gst employers

Your business will need to have 10 staff or less or have payroll under $537,000 per year to be eligible.

4 reasons why our programme works 1. Specifically designed for the WSD 2. ACC & OSH Compliant 3. Complete at your time 4. Tailored to your business

Register online at www.manageacc.info Work through the modules Complete the short application form Print, sign and send to us for checking We send to and liaise with ACC

The modules will take between 1 – 4 hours all up to complete depending on your knowledge. Once completed you will also have a health & safety system in place.

Enquiries Ph Head Office. 07 577 1493 Email. wsd@manageacc.info

www.manageacc.info/wsd

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 9

Viewpoints | Online

News | Events Diary

Is your website up to scratch Suzanne Carter is the business development manager for website design and development company Limelight Online Ltd. To find out more visit www.limelightonline.co.nz

Search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo are just like any other business in that they want to do the best job possible for their customers.

For search engines, doing the best job possible means they need to provide you with the most relevant websites and content matching your search.

How do Search Engines determine what is relevant and what is not?

While there are many factors that help Google and the other search engines work out which websites are more relevant than others, one of the leading factors is content.

Not just any old content though. Content has to be: • Well written • Relevant to the business • Nicely spaced out with headers, sub-headers and bullet points • Not too much and not too little • Devoid of spelling and grammar mistakes • Regularly added • Engaging.

The above applies to all of the content on your site as well as new content that you are adding. New content is really important for websites, as it helps influence rankings on the search engines, and we all know how important it is to be doing well on the search engines!

A really effective way of getting new and regular content onto your website is by way of a blog. Most businesses however, get stuck at the topic stage. What do I write about?

A ready made list of ideas To save you hours and hours of thinking about what to write I have a list of ready made sources of inspiration. You will be surprised where ideas can come from!

• Are you a member of a LinkedIn group?

What are the hot topics that are being discussed in your industry?

• Has there been a new product release or an addition to your list of services?

• Comment on a recent happening in your industry • Are there some common complaints/issues about your product or service? If so, write about how your business overcomes them • Have you recently attended an industry event? If so, write about the main things that you learnt • Satisfied client? Write a short case study about what service you provided to overcome an issue or need your client had • Provide a synopsis of some recent industry research. In layman’s terms!

• Create a video tutorial on how to use your product • Has there been a unique use of your product or service? Share any innovative or fun ideas • Check out your competitors’ content. What topics are getting the best engagement?

• Ask your colleagues for ideas. They may be your best source of inspiration • Do you have top tips that you can write about? You could write a blog series – one tip at a time.

In the grand scheme of ideas this is a short list, but it should get you started.

Once you have written your blog ask yourself the following questions:

EVENTS DIARY

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20 – 21

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Personal Resilience Equip your staff to manage pressure, stress and health in the workplace. Understand emotional intelligence, optimism and persistence. Build mental toughness in your team to improve individual, team and organisational performance. For more information and to enrol, go to: www.businessatmanukau.co.nz

North Shore Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k and kids 2km runs The North Shore Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k and RUN Kids 2km Beach Run will take place in the heart of Auckland’s North Shore - Takapuna. The course is based on a 21.1km circuit which will see participants start along Takapuna Beach and make their way down to Devonport. For more information, go to: www.eventfinder.co.nz

MONDAY, AUGUST 26 – 27 Effective Persuasion and Influence Persuasion and influence are important communication skills in the business arena. In Effective Persuasion and Influence, a handson two day MIT Business Course, you will learn to bring these effective tools to bear in your own work situation. It covers learning influencing styles and persuasion techniques and understanding the character traits of persuasive people. You will come away able to negotiate and manage relationships with confidence. For more information and to register, go to: www.eventfinder.co.nz

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28 – 29 Communication Strategies Communications is not just about talking; it includes listening, body language, effective questioning and assertiveness. Learn these skills and techniques and more, to become an effective communicator. For more information and to register, visit: www.minervalearning.co.nz

• Is the content informative and useful?

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29 – 30

• Is the content easy to understand with little or no industry jargon?

Managing your People Performance management, training management, even time management managing people is complex. Improve your effectiveness as a manager in Managing Your People, a two day business course where you’ll learn some group dynamic fundamentals, identify when to manage, when to lead and how to do both, as well as explore difficult people, difficult situations and how to manage the change process.

Visit: www.businessatmanukau.co.nz

• Is the content credible? Back it up with links to relevant research if necessary.

• Is the content exceptional? Are you proud of what you have written?

• Is the content better than other blogs on the same topic?

• Is the content visually interesting? Have you added related imagery?

What if I do nothing?

Unfortunately these days doing nothing is an option that you can’t afford to take. By doing nothing your website will likely become invisible on the search engines and therefore invisible to potential new clients.

Happier Kids, Teachers, Parents Tiny Tots - academically researched programme in your Centre will teach you how to create secure attachment for children – the foundation for their future academic achievements and happy life.

$450 for training of all your team + promotion of your website Reserve your place now info@childconnection.org.nz Visit our website and complete our contact form www.childconnection.og.nz

What’s happening on the business and entertainment front

During 3 hours workshop we will teach you: 1) Games that children play between themselves 2) Massage skills that relax children 3) Homework for parents

10 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Leadership Skills for Supervisors Effective communication is critical to quickly develop new staff and manage difficult situations. Getting the best from employees requires leadership skills and effective management of people. To register, go to: www.minervalearning.co.nz

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Direct Marketing Conference The Direct Marketing 2013 conference promises to be an action packed one day event, with leading international and local marketers showcasing best in breed examples of direct marketing disciplines which inspire marketers on the latest in direct marketing.

For more information and to register, go to: www.marketing.org.nz

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Project Management Identifying and controlling risks and changes is essential to completing a project in full, on time and on budget. Closing it out effectively ensures that all of the intended outcomes have been achieved and everyone signs off on the completion of the project. For more information and to register, go to: www.minervalearning.co.nz

FIGHTING DIABETES THE NATURAL WAY For more than 20 years Natural Field Products Ltd has been importing and wholesaling quality products, but now the company may well have added a gamechanger to its arsenal. Glucoscare® Tea is a clinically and scientifically proven herbal tea that actively lowers blood sugar levels and helps in managing high blood glucose and obesity.

According to www.diabetes.org.nz – more than 225,000 New Zealanders are affected by diabetes, with many more potentially undiagnosed. Diabetes occurs when inadequate insulin levels in the body cause a build-up of glucose in the blood, which would usually be transferred to cells by insulin, therefore the concentration of sugar in the blood stream can reach dangerously high levels.

Glucoscare® Tea actively reduces sugar into the gastrointestinal tract and promotes the conversion of sugar into energy. This ultimately reduces the potential onset of diabetes or reduces the physiological impact of those already diagnosed.

At present, approximately 220 million people worldwide have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes and studies suggest that figures is set to rise to 300 million by 2025, with 50 percent estimated to be of Asian origin. The cold reality is that diabetes is an irreversible disease, yet it can be controlled and prevented with healthy lifestyle choices, including regular exercise and improved dietary intake.

Glucoscare® Tea is a powerful herbal tea ideal for health conscious individuals, diabetics and those at high-risk of development (40+ age group, overweight individuals and certain races prone to diabetes).

Direct clients are based in: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Whangarei Auckland (and outer regions) Hamilton Tauranga Rotorua Palmerston North New Plymouth Hastings Napier Wellington Nelson Christchurch Rarotonga

Contact Natural Field Products today to see how you can join the resistance against diabetes.

Glucoscare® Tea works in unison with the body • Habitual change in sweet food consumption • Reduces sugar absorption at gastro-intestinal tract • To convert sugar into energy.

About Natural Field

A unique way to control high blood sugar levels, the natural way

Natural Field is a family business that has been owned and operated in Auckland since 1989.

• 100 percent safe and no side effects

For more than 20 years the company has grown steadily, extending its line of items throughout the North and South Island regions, and stretching to the Pacific Islands including Rarotonga, Niue and Cook Islands. The clientele list consists of wholesalers, distributors, retailers, caterers and restaurant owners.

Natural field is importers and wholesalers for: Dry foods - meal ingredients, confectionary, snacks and drinks, hot drink mixtures, healthy alternatives.

Household - cleaning supplies, laundry, disposables, skin and body care, catering supplies.

Asian Food Ingredients - soy bean, soy protein, tofu, tempeh, pickled veges.

Frozen products - spring roll pastries, steamed buns, vegetarian foods, soy protein, ice blocks, roti and paratha’s.

• 100 percent natural herbs

• No artificial additives and chemicals • Accepted in more than 20 countries worldwide • Affordable option • No drug interaction • Clinically and scientifically proven • Formulated from two plants – Gymnema Sylvestre (translates into ‘sugar destroyer’ in Sanskrit) and Camellia Sinensis (main ingredient of green tea).

Natural Field Products Ltd T: (09) 272 9048 E: sales@naturalfield.co.nz www.naturalfield.co.nz

News | Sales

Overcoming objections to price Many salespeople find it difficult to sell price sensitive products and services because they are frightened of the price argument objection.

Price is about understanding the investment you get for your payment, nothing more. So to handle the objection “your price is too high” try this strategy.

Acknowledge the objection with softening phrases like “I appreciate you need to carefully consider your investment…”. Always use the word investment, never price, which is an emotional penalty word to buyers.

Then proceed to use any of the following strategies:

Addition - Add up the benefits. Explain each benefit on your list up to about 10 benefits.

Then finish off by asking a closing question like, “When would you like to start enjoying the benefits?”

Subtraction - Offer to take away a benefit, such as the guarantee, but in reality you don’t take it away - you establish value as the buyer wants to keep it. As an example say, “I suppose you could reduce the price by refusing the warranty we offer, saving a few dollars, but how would you feel if in 11 months, three weeks, four days into your 12 month warranty, something goes wrong and because you don’t have a warranty you have to pay our repair fees at full rate?”

Multiplication - You can add value over time based on your experience. As an example, “Our company has been in business for over 20 years helping clients like you and we intend to still be in business in another 20 years looking

By Richard Gee

after more clients. How would you like to be supported by experience and future support value?”

For further information email richard@geewiz.co.nz

Division - This breaks down the difference in price into units of use. As an example say, “So you indicate the difference in quotes is $500 so, over the life of the product of five years, this would be about $100 per year, or $8 per month or $2 per week, which over five days per week is about 40 cents per day over eight hours. So the difference in better quality and reliability is around 4.5 cents per hour… when would you like to invest your first 4.5 cents?”

This process of creating value for price objections helps the customer quickly understand the investment they are making and then the price objection disappears.

Replacing “price” for “investment” is a strong strategy to overcome price value objections and get the sale decision.

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www.davidkerrphotography.co.nz 12 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

News | Trends

Crowd marketing The social media platform tackling overseas markets

Along with its first American clients in the building and travel sectors, Shuttlerock also signed its first UK client, Photo World and in Australia the Queensland Rugby Union.

The investors behind the successful online companies, ValueClick and ValueCommerce have developed a new social media platform coined “crowd marketing” enabling businesses to leverage content generated from their existing customer or fan base.

Jonny Hendriksen says Kiwi organisations using Shuttlerock included the All Blacks, Mike Pero Real Estate, Jucy Car Rentals, Mike Greer Homes, Lonestar Restaurants and Fly Buys.

Shuttlerock was launched in New Zealand last October and has now officially opened offices in the United States, Australia and the UK. CEO Jonny Hendriksen and investor Tim Williams, founders of ValueClick and ValueCommerce, together with director and social media guru, Jeff Bullas and Air New Zealand director Paul Bingham, joined forces in 2013 to launch Shuttlerock.

Developed in New Zealand, the new company aims to help clients gather fresh content and drive customers’ friends to a company home page. It has been well received in New Zealand with a number of leading brands from real estate, tourism, housing, car dealerships and sport using Shuttlerock.

“Shuttlerock clients are finding it really works as an online marketing tool because it enables them to reach customers’ friends and receive recognition from search engines for content that is then created on their website,” he says.

“It creates content that is relevant and really encourages potential customers to stay on the site longer and engage with the company.”

Shuttlerock also has the ability to gather email addresses of both customers and their friends who are an extremely relevant group of potential customers.

“Content can be generated from a range of other sources including staff, Instagram, flickr, sponsors and others. It’s easily uploaded and images are automatically sized, very much like Facebook, reducing the need for complex content management systems.

Ten marketing myths

By Stephen Lynch

This piece was inspired by the book “Ready, Blame, Fire!” by Ira Blumenthal, a branding expert who has worked with Coca-Cola, Adidas, Nestlé, McDonald’s, Disney, Exxon and Wal-Mart. Here is a summary of 10 common marketing myths dispelled in the book, with our comments…

Myth 1: The future is out of our control Peter Drucker, the father of modern management stated, “The best way to predict the future is to create it”.

Myth 2: Follow the leader Learn from others, but don’t be a “me too” company or you are destined for mediocrity.

Become a leader yourself by creating and owning your own category within your industry.

Myth 3: Bigger means better Big often beats little. But big companies can also be inflexible, clumsy and short sighted - as we have seen with recent big company failures. The only place where “big” matters is in customer satisfaction and referral.

Myth 4: Good fences make good neighbours Only if you view the world around you as an enemy! Tear down fences by forming strategic

“We have a team of 10 people working the North American market from bases in Oregon, Los Angeles and Toronto. The platform works across a number of different sectors and has proven to be very flexible.

“We have definitely felt there is a need for this software based on our early discussions in the USA and remain positive about our prospects in this market.”

alliances that benefit all parties – suppliers, customers and even other competitors.

Myth 5: When in doubt, go back to basics Doing more of the same, can mean doing more of what got you into this mess in the first place. All strategies and innovations have a finite life span. Continuous innovation is the best option.

Myth 6: Business is complex therefore solutions are never easy There are only two activities in business - selling what customers really value and supporting the selling.

Myth 7: Having the lowest price is the way to win A price war with your competitors is a brain dead race to the bottom. Be innovative and create more value in the customer’s eyes in order to justify higher prices.

Myth 8: Watch the competition closely Monitor the moves of your competitors, but if you’re always watching your back, you’re

not looking forward. Focus on your winning strategy and force the competition to watch your back as you speed ahead.

Myth 9: The best offence is a good defense You will never win any game unless you focus on scoring. As General George Patton stated, “Fixed fortifications are a monument to the stupidity of man. Nobody ever defended anything successfully, there is only attack and attack and attack some more.”

Myth 10: Play it safe Doing nothing has its own risks. Innovation and action require courage, but hold the greatest potential for rewards. “You can’t steal second base with your foot stuck on first.”

Stephen Lynch is the chief operating officer of Global Operations at RESULTS.com.

Information kindly provided by RESULTS.com: www.results.com

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 13

News | Infrastructure

Breaking the gridlock With Auckland’s roads gradually and inexorably grinding to a gridlock, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone not patently aware of how desperately the city’s transport infrastructure is in need of, not just an upgrade, but a long term plan.

Well, finally a plan has arrived and not a moment too soon; one that will hopefully relieve the strain and ultimately support Auckland as a thriving city, the economy and the country.

The Government announced a $10 billion project to develop and improve Auckland’s transport infrastructure including the City Rail Link, a second Waitemata Harbour crossing and the combined Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) and East-West Link.

In a speech to the Transport NZ Summit in May, Auckland Mayor Len Brown spoke about how Auckland has a high liveability score, but compared to international cities Auckland does not live up to its reputation in terms of accessibility and integrated transport. A matter recognised similarly to that of the rebuild of Christchurch city.

The Prime Minister admits that although the initial timeframe of construction for 2020 is not ideal for the council’s leadership, the project is imperative if they want to address access to the Auckland CBD and improve the efficiency of the transport system which is said to be holding the city back.

The Government is teaming up with Auckland Council in 2017 as a joint business plan for the City Rail Link and will provide part of the funding for the construction in 2020.

The Government has also proposed funding to make improvements to State Highway projects. These include a motorway to motorway link between the Upper Harbour Highway and the Northern Motorway at Constellation Drive, widening the Southern Motorway between Manukau and Papakura and upgrading the State Highway 20A link to the airport to motorway standard.

With the population expected to reach around The project will address congestion, improve 2.5 million people by 2040, there is much work to do and Mayor Len Brown says it’s time access to the airport and profit from the benefits of the Western Ring Route. to get real about the future.

“We rank highly because of our great natural environment, our good schools, relatively low crime and vibrant and diverse communities.

But we fall short on two of the most important measures of a liveable city – transport and affordable housing,” he says.

Despite the Mayor’s push to see construction start sooner rather than later, the project is more likely to start taking shape in 2020, unless conditions were met to speed up the process.

Prime Minister John Key says the three projects are all identified as the highest transport priorities. “They have a price tag of around $10 billion and they are projects that need to be planned for over a long period of time,” he says.

“We will consider an earlier start date if it becomes clear that Auckland’s CBD employment and rail patronage growth hit thresholds faster than current rates of growth suggest.”

“The New Zealand Transport Agency has been asked for advice on how to bring forward the construction start dates for these projects.

The government will be providing additional funding to enable this to happen,” Key says.

It has not yet been confirmed as to how the second harbour crossing will be aligned, but is something the New Zealand Transport Agency is hoping to verify in December.

However the Government agrees with the Auckland Council that the next crossing should be a tunnel. “A new harbour crossing is likely to be needed between 2025 and 2030,” Key says.

The Auckland Harbour Bridge, operated by the New Zealand Transport Agency, is a lifeline for people, goods and services. It is now considered one of the most critical transport links which will soon no longer be able to handle capacity.

“Despite recent strengthening, limits on the weight loading capacity of the clip-ons

14 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

means heavy truck access may need to be increasingly managed from around 2021.

Congestion on the bridge is already a problem in the peak periods. Traffic forecasts indicate that, as the Auckland economy grows, this will increasingly spread throughout the working day,” Key says.

“It is now crucial that Auckland’s leadership shifts its focus from advocating for decisions on Auckland’s transport wish list of pet projects to confirming the strongest possible business case and implementation programme to deliver an integrated transport network as fast as possible.”

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee is reported to be getting advice on where funding can be sourced from for the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative and East-West link project.

But not everyone’s been so glowing in their praise. Labour’s Auckland Issues spokesperson, Phil Twyford has said the Auckland plan has been around for years and everyone has supported it since its announcement.

“The area between Onehunga, Mt Wellington and East Tamaki is home to a number of industrial and logistics businesses that make a critical contribution to the Auckland and national economy,” Key says.

“Many people are employed in the area and there’s considerable growth potential, but the transport links in and out are not up to the job,” Key says.

Auckland Chamber of Commerce CEO Michael Barnett says moving Auckland’s critical transport projects into the fast lane for completion is exactly the backing Auckland needs.

However, the accelerated transport investment programme announced by John Key is conditional only on the projects meeting certain performance targets.

“Auckland shouldn’t be worried about that,” Barnett says.

The strong signal of the Government’s commitment to invest in Auckland’s three highest priority transport infrastructure projects is significant.

“National has been in denial for years about the need to get serious about an integrated plan for the future of Auckland’s transport system. The need for the City Rail Link, the East West Link and ultimately a second harbour crossing has long been obvious to Aucklanders,” Twyford says.

With no word as to how it will be funded, Twyford questions the timeframe and funding of the major $10 billion project.

“This is the National-led Government playing catch up. They have antagonised and ignored Auckland. They have spent the last three years undermining the Auckland supercity that they set up, and its Mayor, Len Brown,” he says.

“Now they have finally woken up to Auckland.

Well, better late than never I suppose. It’s just a shame their neglect and inaction has held the city back for so long,” Twyford says.

Despite his scepticism, it seems clear the Government shares a vision – to get on with the job.

News | Tactics

How to create customer loyalty

By Davina Richards

Customer loyalty works in the same way as befriending a cat – it takes time and patience, but once you earn its loyalty, you have them for life.

The same goes for your customers.

Some businesses find that they have many one-off customers but very few loyal ones, which is not the ideal way to keep a company running successfully. A business with no repeat customers is, in essence, a ticket to eventual insolvency.

Building up a circle of loyalty and trust with customers will ensure they return time and time again. And although many owners focus solely on attracting new customers, it’s more cost efficient to maintain a relationship with existing ones.

Forming a relationship with customers is something which small businesses have a better advantage of doing compared to larger companies and, in doing so, have a better chance of securing loyalty which lasts.

Small businesses…

Keep your product and service offer fresh and every time you introduce something new, announce it to your customers.

Don’t just exceed expectations. Customers love to be acknowledged. Follow up with an email or newsletter to show you value them as an individual customer. Offer special offers And finally – smile. and loyalty discounts which new customers can’t get. It makes them feel like a person and not just a sale and they’ll also appreciate the Famous quotes effort you’ve made.

Many businesses become too devoted to attracting new customers. Consider this: by acknowledging existing customers regularly, you will soon acquire raving fans to do the marketing for you.

Through word of mouth, recommendations, or even showing to their friends the customer loyalty gift or token discount you sent them.

Pay attention to your existing customers – if they’re satisfied, they’ll tell others.

Individual customers have individual needs, so how do you know if your product or service will fulfill their needs if customers don’t know what you can do for them?

If you want customers to come back to you, give them a good reason to. Show them who you are, what you do and what you offer. If you don’t inform them of what your business is about, they may never know and never come back.

Using social media to stay in contact with • Get to know customers on a more personal customers is a great tool. But it’s just as level – you know them by name, what their important to listen to what customers say preferences are, what their needs are and online. Show that you care by finding out even what they don’t like what they’re talking about and how this could • Usually work on a marketing budget and help you to improve your product or service. so are much more creative when thinking of If you’re too busy to check in, find someone ideas to attract customers who will.

• Form good relationships with customers and the community. Reaching locals is easy and can promote business by word of mouth while you get to know your audience • Have more control over the business in terms of making executive decisions and implement changes faster.

Tips and tricks

Under promise and over deliver. Delight and dazzle customers by working above and beyond to keep them happy. Getting something more than expected will be remembered above all else. You can never do enough.

Search for problems. Respond as quickly as you can and have a friendly and willing attitude to change any negative view a customer may have. Show that customers come first by resolving issues.

Factor in the relationships you build with employees. These are the people who stand on the front line of your business. They’re the first people you see when you walk through the door of your business and they’re the people who answer your phones every day.

A great way of retaining customer loyalty is by By having a good working relationship with staying in touch. In this age all you need is a Facebook or Twitter account to keep customers them will guarantee friendly and helpful staff well informed and regularly updated. is put in front of customers.

16 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

“Sometimes, I think my most important job as a CEO is to listen for bad news. If you don’t act on it, your people will eventually stop bringing bad news to your attention and that is the beginning of the end.”

– Bill Gates “When somebody challenges you, fight back.

Be brutal, be tough.”

– Donald Trump “When people are placed in positions slightly above what they expect, they are apt to excel.”

– Richard Branson “It’s customers that made Dell great in the first place, and if we’re smart enough and quick enough to listen to customer needs, we’ll succeed.”

– Michael Dell (Dell) “If you work just for money, you’ll never make it, but if you love what you’re doing and you always put the customer first, success will be yours.”

– Ray Kroc (McDonald’s) “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”

– Bill Gates “Customers don’t expect you to be perfect.

They do expect you to fix things when they go wrong.”

– Donald Porter (British Airways)

Books to read • Monitor Small Business Customer Loyalty by Barbara Findlay Schenck • Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh • Bold: How to Be Brave in Business and Win

by Shaun Smith and Andy Milligan • Building Customer Loyalty: The 21 Essential Elements by JoAnna Brandi • Customer Loyalty: How to Earn It, How to Keep It by Jill Griffin

WHY IS ONLINE PAYMENT & FREIGHT IMPORTANT INFRASTRUCTURE IN TODAY’S BUSINESS A recent survey titled The Household Use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) indicted that more than half of New Zealand’s population make online purchases.

That’s almost two million active customers in our country who are seeking to use the convenience of the internet to purchase goods - so the infrastructure needs to be set in place for both customer and merchant.

We asked Gustav Wentzel, business development manager of Payport, why it was so important to get the payment and shipping facility right on a website.

“It’s a fact of modern life; many transactions are made in the online marketplace and customers actively purchase direct from websites – providing the correct facilities are available.

“Payport provides businesses the opportunity to seize the virtual custom through an online payment and freight gateway which allows credit card payments to be processed easily and safely, the accompanying freight gateway could also potentially save merchants valuable time in arranging freight and thousands of dollars in freight cost.”

The freight train Logistical issues can be time consuming and expensive, but with Payport’s freight service, the pains of transporting goods are transferred into a simplistic, efficient process from large quantities to a small envelope. By partnering with major suppliers of freight systems, merchants can access huge savings while simultaneously reducing paperwork and time spent on logistics.

What kind of businesses would suit the addition of a Payport online payment and freight gateway and does the business size matter?

“Any business that accepts online payment and/or ships to their customers. No, size doesn’t matter, the substantial database of users allows Payport to be able to offer reduced cost shipping rates for large and small volume clients.

“We have many happy customers from large distributors to home based businesses. By using Payport, merchants can save huge amounts of cash and increase the efficiency of their payment and freighting system.

“Payments are processed within three to five seconds, a courier can be booked within 10 to 15 seconds and amazingly for freight, there is no setup cost, no monthly fees and no upfront cost for tickets (due to the ticketless systems in place).

“The system even contacts the courier for the merchant - the savings will be in a monetary form and in valuable time.

Combining the Payport payment gateway and the freight/courier service, allows major transactions to be carried out with minimal disturbance at a proficient level.

“As the online world begins to dominate the high street, the consumer will become more adept to making online payments,

NEED TO PROCESS PAYMENT OR FREIGHT FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS’ ONLINE PURCHASES?

opening the possibilities of a web-based income stream to many New Zealand businesses.

“Not only can Payport organise the payment, they also handle the shipping too - a true one-stop-shop for the merchant and a satisfying experience for the customer. This is a boat you don’t want to miss, get in touch with Payport today and get a slice of the web payment pie before the custom looks elsewhere.”

1. Securely process your customers’ credit card payments and easily convert their orders to shipping labels.

Advantages of the Payport freight and courier portal • Get better than standard rates, with potential to save further • Live consignment tracking from the Payport site.

Payport advantages • Pay safely For both the merchant and the customer, security and ease of use is vital. Payments are processed within three to five seconds, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in different currencies. They can rest assured the customer’s money is safe thanks to up to date internet banking technology.

Payments, recurring billings and refunds are all available through Payport’s hosted payments page, Payport’s relationship with suppliers translates into very reasonable transaction fees and affordable setup and service costs.

2. Place the shipping labels on your parcels and wait for the courier to pick them up, that’s it, no need to buy courier tickets, no need to phone the courier company. You can relax and have time for a coffee.

• Move fast Moving goods quickly and efficiently is a vital for both customer and merchant therefore Payport offers an integrated freight system (or it can be a standalone application) - the best thing is you don’t need to be selling from a website to use our freight service.

3. The courier will then come and pick up the parcels from you and deliver them to your customers.

The reliable, secure payment processing and freight system • Partnerships with major suppliers resulting in trustworthy and reliable service for all freight necessities • Payport’s large volume of shopping allows us to make major savings in the cost of every package sent – this is passed on to our clients • The online interface is simple and cuts down on time and paperwork • No tickets are required • Large and small volume clients can make savings using the Payport shipping system.

4. You can track and trace your parcels online in real time, and see the signatures of the persons who signed for them when the parcel reached your customers, you can view and export report online

Payment & Freight Gateways

• Pay

Safely • Move Fast

If you would like a representative to call you or would like an indicative idea of how much it will cost you to use Payport please call 0508 PAYPORT or email support@payport.co.nz – alternatively visit our website www.payport.co.nz

News | Tools

Apply yourself

By Melinda Collins

With power, popularity and prevalence, apps have taken the business world by storm. So here are some of our favourite business apps - the only thing they have in common are the ability to enhance your business and its success.

Android SignEasy - You know the moment you realise you have to print off that 20 page document, just to sign page 20? Well, that is no more with SignEasy. Import documents from the web, email, Dropbox, Box or Google Drive, sign and fill out documents, with your finger.

Evernote - Ever wondered why your best ideas come when you have no note pad?

Well keep wondering because I can’t explain that phenomenon, but at least with Evernote losing those ideas will never be a problem again. Store, organise and share text, photos and voice notes, so you can keep track of all your brilliant ideas.

Asana - The alternative to complicated work management software, Asana is a shared task list for your team. Free for teams of up to 15 members with unlimited projects and tasks, Asana allows users to manage not only work projects, but personal projects and events in one easy to navigate interface.

Google Drive - It’s been around for a while now, but it’s hard to top the functionality of Google’s incarnation of inter-device file sharing. Seamlessly port and edit files from PC to tablet to smartphone. Not only is it a fullyfeatured office suite, but the software also acts as a full cloud drive, letting you store any file type via a virtual drive app or a web interface.

Bump - A revolutionary networking app that allows entrepreneurs to ditch traditional business cards in favour of virtual ones; trade contact information, photos, and files by simply ‘bumping’ two smartphones together. It’s practically prehistoric but since its inception in 2008 the app has garnered more than eight million monthly users and 27 million downloads, with its popularity yet to wane.

Apple Expensify - Let’s face it, few people start a business because they’re good with numbers. Enter Expensify, an app that keeps track of business expenses and mileage, while letting users scan and upload receipts.

You can even file receipts by trip and submit expense reports to employers with the click of a button.

PrinterShare Mobile Print - Is app short for happy? Because with the PrinterShare Mobile Print app, many business owners will feel that way, allowing you to easily print office documents, PDF files, bills, invoices, word documents, Excel and text files directly from your Android device.

QuickBooks Online - QuickBooks Online must have been named with its ease of use in mind because, with this nifty little app, business owners can manage customers, sales receipts, payments, estimates and email invoices.

Business Calendar - Gone are the naughty calendars on the toilet door with Business Calendar. A calendar replacement application that synchronises with your Google calendars, Business Calendar includes standard views (agenda, month, day and event view) and features and allows you to easily customise calendars so your day is more organised.

Remember The Milk - I’m pretty confident our readers have much more important tasks to remember than just picking up the milk, but whatever you have to do, this great little app will give you a hand. Spot tasks situated close by, include and finish tasks on the move, sort out future tasks and sync it all flawlessly with Remember The Milk (RTM) app.

18 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Prizmo - Prizmo turns your iPhone, iPad, iPod, iPad Touch or Mac into a portable scanner at the tap of a button. Not only will it digitise the information but it’ll make the text editable and searchable with very good accuracy. Prizmo can detect words in more than 40 languages and supports multipage documents, cropping, iCloud storage and the option to export the text as a PDF.

GoodReader - PDFs are practically the knowledge currency of our digital work lives. So to get the most out of your PDFs there is no better PDF reader on the iPhone than GoodReader. Even allows users to create sticky notes, highlight and mark up text.

Keynote - No longer will you need to lug around your clunky prehistoric laptop. With Keynote you can run any presentation directly from your iPad.

OmniFocus - GTD apps… sounds fancy, right? It really just stands for Get Things Done, but shhhhh, you sound so much more important. Widely considered to be one of the best task management apps for iOS, OmniFocus is great to use as a simple to-do list or as a powerful GTD app. Designed to quickly capture your thoughts and allow you to store, manage and process them into actionable to-do items.

Dropbox - Dropbox turns your little phone into a big external drive. Keep any and all important items in your Dropbox folder for easy access on the go and with everything stored in the cloud your iPad just got that much more useful.

TripIt - Get quick access to your travel itinerary on the iPad, when and where it’s needed. Plus, you can check out the seating on your flights to try to better your assignment if you want and track any travel points programmes you have.

Drafts - A more recent addition to the iPad after being available solely on the iPhone, Drafts is a great app to capture things quickly – tweets, notes, tasks and many more. Then when you’re ready, you can move them to the appropriate app for further use.

Penultimate - It’s the natural feeling of pen and paper… without the pen and paper.

Essentially a handwriting app for the iPad, Penultimate features both Dropbox and Evernote integration and a range of other sharing options.

Quickoffice Pro HD - Carry everything bar the kitchen sink in your purse? Now you can have a literal office stored in there. Quickoffice Pro HD lets you create and edit Microsoft Office documents, spreadsheets and presentation formats right on the iPad.

Siri Virtual: Personal Assistant - Sometimes you just want a PA without the whiney falsetto and false nails to remind you to call your mum, book a taxi or see what’s on at the movies. Siri Assistant is a virtual PA and she isn’t cheap, she’s free.

News | Ideas

Don’t worry,

By Melinda Collins

be happy

There’s nothing like staring at a blank screen, knowing the words that haven’t turned up so far don’t look like they’re going to arrive anytime soon, and all your can hear is an editor in the background yelling for his copy to get the blood pressure up.

The first step for any improvement is to recognise what needs to change. Learn the warning signs of excessive stress at work. If you ignore these signs they can lead to bigger problems.

Some signs of excessive stress: - Feeling anxious, irritable or depressed - Muscle tension and/or headaches - Social withdrawl - Problems with sleeping - Loss of interest in work - Fatigue

Perhaps I need to change career paths… a nice relaxing gig as a seamstress or a librarian. At least that’s what the stats would suggest, with a new report into the least and most stressful professions by CareerCast.com compiled by analysing 200 different professions, measuring work environment, job competitiveness and risk.

“The field’s high growth opportunities and minimal health risks in a low-stress, pleasant work environment makes the job of university professor the envy of many career professionals,” CareerCast.com publisher Tony Lee explains.

Stress, by definition, is the interaction between an individual and the demands and burdens presented by the external environment. While we all know a certain amount of stress comes with the territory of, you know, just simply living in a modern world, an excess can cause a range of mental and physical ailments, according to the experts.

Such ills can include headaches, body aches, breathing difficulty, exhaustion, dramatic weight gain or loss and depression and anxiety. Of course at the highest end of the spectrum it has been linked to heart attacks, high blood pressure and other more serious and sometimes life threatening conditions.

It’s not an issue which should be taken lightly by employers or employees. While some degree of workplace stress is normal, too much stress can impact your productivity and physical and mental health.

Finding ways to manage workplace stress isn’t about huge changes or rethinking career options, but rather about focusing on the one thing that is always within your control: you.

- Trouble concentrating - Loss of sex drive - Use of coping mechanisms including but not limited to drugs and alcohol.

Common causes: - Lack of job security

Shuffle the deck - Perhaps the stress is simply caused by not having the resources available to complete tasks. Delegate if you are in a position to do so or talk to other managers and see where they’re at. You never know, someone might be looking for a more challenging workload and wish to take on some of your responsibilities. Perhaps you just need a re-shuffle of resources. You never know until you open the lines of communication.

Actively relax - Try some deep breathing from as low down as you can get it, or muscular tensing and stretching. Perhaps schedule some time each week on a particularly stressful day to get a massage or go for a power walk at lunch. Have a long bath after work, walk the dog or read a book. Don’t just let relaxation happen or not happen. Plan it.

- Personality conflict - Lack of resources - Poor working conditions - Harassment or bullying.

Get organised - Sometimes your stress is simply a by-product of disorganisation.

How about try some new techniques and see if they make a difference. Keeping a diary, prioritising appointments and keeping your desk clear, are all ways to help time management and organisation.

20 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

1. University professor

$62.050

2. Seamstress/tailor

$25,850

3. Medical records technician

$32,350

4. Jeweller

$35,170

Take time out - If you can’t take the stress out of the girl (or guy) take the girl out of the stress. Sometimes there really is no other way than to just remove yourself from a situation to get some clarity. It’s not particularly healthy to eat over your computer or only stopping long enough to pour another coffee. Take a walk around the block, as they say fresh air is nourishment for the soul.

6. Audiologist

$66,660

7. Dietician

$53,250

8. Hair stylist

$22,500

9. Librarian

$54,500

10. Drill press operator

$31,910

10 Most Stressful Jobs 2013 - Median Salary

Sleep - A good night’s sleep is an important factor in dealing with stress. When you are tired, you are less patient and easily agitated, which can increase the presence of stress.

Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night, but some people simply need more.

1. Enlisted military personnel

$41,998

2. Military general

$196,300

So what can be done?

List it - Start with keeping a mini diary of when you get stressed and what caused it.

This may lead you to pick up some patterns which could help. Discuss your findings with a professional or a friend as this simple act may assist. Before entering situations which have caused your stress in the past, you can preempt the feelings and plan strategies.

10 Least Stressful Jobs 2013 - Median Salary

5. Medical laboratory technician $46,680

- Increased workload expectations - No increase in job satisfaction

Don’t be afraid to ask for help - You can try talking to family and friends, but sometimes it really is hard to form some strong coping mechanisms. Counsellors are trained to figure these out for you. It’s not a sign of failure to talk to a professional, but it is important if it’s in your best interests.

3. Firefighter 4. Commercial airline pilot 5. Public relations executive

Thought management - What we think, how we think, what we expect and what we tell ourselves often determines how we feel and how well we manage our stress levels.

Thought management is all about changing the thought patterns that produce stress. So when you start thinking negatively about your circumstances, make the choice to think differently. There are a lot of self-help books and videos out there to help with this.

$42,250

$92,060 $57,550

6. Senior corporate executive $101,250 7. Photojournalist 8. Newspaper reporter 9. Taxi driver 10. Police officer

$29,130 $36,000 $22,440 $55,010

News | In Business

&

Asked answered

Kevin Vincent

Business consultant Kevin Vincent answers a couple of questions about workplace issues and how to deal with them.

Dear Kevin, our company talks a lot about ethics, can you please advise how this relates to business?

Dear Kevin, I am a small business owner with one central office in a main city of New Zealand and I want to consider decentralisation as a way to improve performance and profitability.

What advice do you have for me as I consider this?

I don’t know of any sets of rules on business ethics, but I am aware of how important they have become in our life.

Ethics are generally subjective and mostly about morality.

Decentralisation was quite fashionable in the late 70s and has remained on agendas ever since.

I believe the intent with any decentralisation is to separate a business into smaller units capable of becoming profit centres.

A move to this will require some careful analysis. The analysis should consider foresight planning, forward objectives, company strengths and weakness, chances and risks along with a full analysis of projected cash flow.

In a 2009 article The Economist cites decentralisation as “The process of distributing power away from the centres of an organisation”. In doing this you need to carefully reflect on how much power should be decentralised, how much empowerment you will give to your colleagues you will employ in your decentralised operations.

Tom Peters said in the mid 1990s that, after watching organisations thrive and then shrivel “To loosen the reins, to allow a thousand flowers to bloom and a hundred schools to contend, is the best way to sustain vigour in perilous times”.

Well planned and structured decentralisation will encourage innovation and entrepreneurship within your company and ultimately lead to improved profitability.

For me, ethics are how we act to each other; being good, trustworthy, reliable, fair and empathetic.

In his 2003 book Management – Tasks, Responsibilities and Practices, Peter Drucker said “The first responsibility of a professional was spelled out clearly, 2,500 years ago, in the Hippocratic oath of the Greek Physician: primum non nocere – ‘Above all, not knowingly to do harm’.”

I believe Drucker is saying clearly to us all that we have responsibilities to carefully reflect on our proposed actions, to contemplate our words and how we articulate those words and to ensure we personally uphold appropriate behaviours that set an example to our

colleagues and all those we relate in our work and in our communities.

Ethics in business and social responsibility are often linked as social responsibility and this is a significant aspect of the discipline of operating ethically.

I believe that just as health and safety is a responsibility for all staff members, so must be operating with ethics. It isn’t just the company owners, or the board of directors, or just the manager - it is every single individual who is responsible for our own actions.

For all stakeholders this means consideration must be given to how we interact with each other and embracing our rich diversity, not accepting credit for what may have been done by others, maintaining confidentiality and telling only the truth (my recipe for successful selling).

Finally being ethical at work or in your business is a continuum and must be part of our everyday lives. It is never OK for a business to be unethical.

Creativity and flexibility fill empty chairs A leading cloud software company has relocated its offices and increased its staff salaries to 20 percent above market average in a bid to attract more local IT talent to support its international growth.

Unleashed Software which employs 25 staff, relocated its offices to Auckland’s North Shore so local team members incurred less travel time and did not have to endure Auckland traffic issues.

Unleashed Software CEO Gareth Berry says the global skill shortage in the IT sector calls for technology firms to top up remuneration packages with additional benefits.

“It all begins with hiring the best and then retaining them by giving them everything they need to be successful, including total responsibility and accountability,” he says.

Recent staff retention initiatives introduced by his company include allowing team members to write their own job descriptions, work from home at their discretion and increasing the average company salary to around 20 percent above the local market.

remuneration packages need to develop more enticing work environments now more than ever.

He says the key to attracting and retaining IT staff in this market is introducing flexibility, convenience and autonomy into the company culture. Also, a visible commitment to employees’ professional development can also help to recruit and retain staff.

“IT staff wanting to continue to learn and increase their potential really value the chance to receive on-going educational opportunities. For example, our mobile development team has been born from our existing developers who wanted to learn about mobile development.

“Our staff can play table tennis and foosball on-site to punctuate their working day. They have a fridge full of energy drinks, beer and sparkling water and we have fresh fruit delivered for them.

“Additionally, staff can choose if they’d like a Mac or PC computer, and if they need a phone, we give them a new iPhone. We encourage on-going interactivity between employees through our internal Yammer social network, which allows them to give each other constant updates.”

“We gave these staff the tools and mentorship for them to spread their wings and as a result, highly innovative new product releases will soon be made in that area. By offering these Gareth says Unleashed has immediate needs team members further education, we’ve for another 15 expert staff in sales, marketing, enhanced their loyalty and productivity within design, support solution architecture, BDM the business.” and an export specialist to head up their entry He also comments that it’s important to make into the US market. sure staff feel looked after by employers and He says with technology workers’ median making the company space as enjoyable as salaries having reportedly frozen in the past possible is valuable in ensuring they remain. year, tech companies which offer lower www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 21

News | In Business

Beware of goal setting blunders

By Stephen Lynch

When setting business goals, whether they’re numerical targets, or the achievement of key milestones in the execution of your chosen strategic projects, it is important to guard against the following common pitfalls.

Beware of “group think” People in the same team (sometimes even in an entire industry) can tend to all think alike. This is a trap to beware of when setting strategy and forecasting goals. Groups can tend to be over-confident, to take on greater risks and make ill-advised decisions vs. on individual thinking alone.

To counter this tendency, solicit a diverse range of opinions (even contrary opinions to your own) to help you think through the consequences of each option before making a decision. Be willing to change your mind

when new information comes to light that suggests a different course of action.

cherry pick the data that confirms your own point of view.

Past performance does not equal future performance

Build time for learning into new activities

Just because something happened in the past, does not mean that it will continue to be so in the future. In a rapidly changing environment, mindless financial goal setting done on an annual basis, based on past trends, quickly becomes divorced from reality.

If you are asking your people to undertake something completely new, remember to factor in sufficient time to acquire the knowledge they will need to be able to successfully execute the project.

To counter this, leaders must follow a disciplined strategic planning and execution framework, and review their strategy every quarter to ensure their KPI and strategic projects remain relevant in the changing competitive environment. Thus, goals and projects are continually set (and reset) within the context of the current strategic reality and your team can more readily buy into them.

Guard against “confirmation bias” We tend to look for and place more weight on information and data that confirms our personal point of view and discount information that doesn’t.

To counter this tendency, make the effort to obtain information from a broad range of sources – and make a decision based on a meta-analysis of all the data. Don’t just

22 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Eliminate fear Team members should know that hitting their KPI targets and executing their strategic projects by the due dates will form part of their performance appraisal.

However, you must guard against creating a climate where people fear that they will be punished if they come up short. If they feel this way, they tend to become ultraconservative and set deliberately low goals, or allow far more time than they need to complete their projects.

Neither should leaders bully their people into accepting overly aggressive goals - or due dates that are unrealistic, by making them feel inadequate if they don’t accept the challenge. Thus, it is a delicate balancing act.

You want your people to perform to their full potential and you want them to remain fully engaged and motivated.

To counter these pitfalls, take time to discuss each goal or project with the person accountable and negotiate a mutual agreement. It is important to balance optimism with realism.

Bank the learnings Effective companies follow a cadence of business execution, where they stop and evaluate their progress every 90 days. They ask everyone questions like; did we achieve our KPI goals this quarter? Did we execute our strategic projects effectively and achieve the milestones we set by the due date?

What did we learn this quarter? What will we start doing? What will we stop doing? What will we do better next quarter?

By following a disciplined debriefing process, you ‘bank the learnings’ and make your strategic planning and business execution more effective next quarter, and each and every quarter that you repeat this disciplined process.

Stephen Lynch is the chief operating officer of Global Operations at RESULTS. com. Information kindly provided by RESULTS.com: www.results.com

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News | Cover Story

Soft landings

By Davina Richards

It’s said all you need is one original idea and you’re set for life. But what if you’ve got a good idea already, or an existing product and the rewards just don’t seem to be arriving?

What might make all the difference is a larger market - in that case the Mecca of modern consumerism, commonly called the US domestic market, might be just the ticket.

Trouble is - it’s a tough nut to crack. Not only can it be costly to get products to US shores, but American consumers have a track record of not exactly throwing caution to the wind when it comes to experimenting with unproven imports.

So how do you test the US market waters without having to jump in at the deep end and risk drowning? Standing on the front line for New Zealand technology business startups on American soil is Kiwi Landing Pad (KLP).

With many Kiwi entrepreneurs opting to take their business further afield, KLP offers something exclusive – a base in the heart of technology entrepreneurialism, the South of Market (SoMA) district of San Francisco, home to some of the world’s biggest industry icons including Twitter, Dropbox, Youtube and LinkedIn.

Positive impact Originally from Christchurch and based in Wellington, John is an entrepreneur who co-founded HR technology company Sonar6 in 2006 which he sold to Cornerstone on Demand in March 2012.

Having previously worked in senior roles at multinational corporations including Xero, HP, IBM and ANZ Banking Group, he has experience across the board of industry and business, from business start-ups, computer hardware and software, to hospitality and security to name a few.

From his first taste of business when he sold lemonade to people on the bus at aged eight to a successful entrepreneur, John revels in the pace and energy he gets from working with other entrepreneurs with global aspirations.

San Francisco is a beacon for technology business start-ups and KLP was formed after a number of people expressed an interest in establishing a base for early stage New Zealand technology companies in the heart of the action.

Established for Kiwis, it aims to give businesses the best possible chance of success KLP’s primary mission is to provide Kiwi at an international level and, in turn, make a start-ups with credibility, confidence and positive impact on New Zealand’s economy. connections, giving the next generation of entrepreneurs a grand starting point.

Established in 2011 by John Holt and Sam Morgan, KLP is a non profit organisation “The main problem we looked to solve was supported by distinguished Kiwi and the amount of time and distraction from US entrepreneurs including Sir Stephen business development that setting up a first Tindall (K1W1 and The Warehouse), Simon office took, as well as the fact that office Holdsworth (Evander Management), Peter rental rates are extremely expensive in the Thiel (Valar Ventures and Paypal), Phil area,” John says.

McCaw (MOVAC) and Craig Elliott (a US based “Once we had set up the basics we realised entrepreneur). It is also supported by the New that there was even more value potentially Zealand Government through financial support around bringing the local community and from the Ministry of Business, Innovation interest together through gentle curation, and Employment. as opposed to forced networking. This Software giant Xero was one of the first meant putting a local manager in place and businesses to have made the move to San organising regular events and opportunities Francisco and a string of other companies for the community to get together and socialise.” including Vend, NZTE and Eventfinder have followed suit. So who’s next?

Davina Richards talks to John Holt, managing director of Kiwi Landing Pad to learn more.

24 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

News | Cover Story

“A lot of great things have come from this so far - investors, mentors and general establishment of good useful relationships which drive business forward.”

With fierce competition in the US, finding customers, capital, rebuilding networks and understanding markets and customer requirements are common challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

“Any entrepreneur coming from outside this environment has a lot of catching up to do,” he says.

“From experience, building a business out in a country as competitive as the USA, so far away from your HQ, is a tough and lonely process. KLP can provide support around this to take some of the pain away.

and a kick ass team which can execute all the basic elements of a start-up business superbly.

“Mediocrity just doesn’t survive long in the Bay Area because of the intensity of competition and making it challenging to break into the market,” he says.

“From San Francisco city itself, through to the San Jose about 40 miles away, there are literally thousands of entrepreneurs and smart people looking to acquire customers, hire the best talent and raise venture capital.

“Expectations around early stage companies are extremely high. The good news is that many customers are used to buying early stage solutions from start-ups in the Bay Area because of the concentration of such “Or at least place the beachhead team in an companies and the support they have environment where they have other Kiwi around them, but the bad news is that it entrepreneurs around them to provide support makes it tougher to get in front of the and bounce around ideas, as well as helping right people.” avoid common cultural or business pitfalls and share networks.”

The nuts and bolts Entering the golden gate San Francisco’s Silicon Valley is the undisputed HQ of key players and developments. If you are in technology, particularly internet/cloud based solutions, there is no better place to be in terms of learning and growing.

“Entrepreneurs from all over the world seek this area out because it is simply the best place to learn quickly about building your business, acquiring top talent and investment.”

Companies fronting up at KLP become part of an exciting network in a rapidly growing community of committed Kiwi entrepreneurs and local residents who support the growth of New Zealand business in the USA. Ultimately, what emerges is a portrait of Kiwi entrepreneurs landing in a soft place which brings them together to establish relationships within the entrepreneurial community, attend conferences and events, share ideas, knowledge and experiences and have access to information and resources on living and doing business in the USA. KLP has entrepreneurs up and running as soon as they land, with a physical address and 24 hour access to full office facilities.

“Networks and confidence are critical success factors for breaking into this market in my opinion, in addition to a great product

Although many Kiwi businesses generally tend to reach out to KLP through the website or an introduction from one of its sponsors, John says there is no strict criteria they follow to determine whether a company can be helped or not.

“A lot of our decisions are based more around fit in terms of our physical location, the types of skills, experience and connections we have within our networks and the type of product or service the company is looking to launch,” he explains.

“It is also dependant on their stage of business or idea and the specific things they need to understand, or questions they need to answer to launch their business in the USA. Many Kiwi entrepreneurs prepare for months beforehand or build their business to an initial proof of concept stage before entering into the market.

“Some are looking for more validation of their concept or idea to ensure it is possible to turn it into a business and, just as importantly, that it is not already a problem solved by existing technology or companies.”

There are some entrepreneurs who are recognised for their high potential however, John explains that many still need to work through the fundamentals of creating an early stage start-up. KLP8 is a programme which provides selected entrepreneurs the opportunity to stay at KLP for four weeks to work on their challenges.

“Many of the answers to such challenges are easily obtained in the KLP community or geographic location, but it’s a long way from New Zealand.”

An entrepreneur by nature John’s interest in business materialised from an early age when he sold lemonade to people on the bus which stopped outside his house when he was eight years old.

“My grandmother’s cousin was the driver – that’s called an unfair advantage. Since a very young age I’ve been fascinated by business, growth and wars. I have a degree in military history. Everything I do I try to learn from and succeed and make a lot of other people successful with me on the way,” he says.

and aspiring entrepreneurs find out if their start-up ideas are feasible.

“Kiwi Landing Pad supports a number of Startup Weekends. If the winners get far with their idea they spend free time in our facility in San Francisco,” he says.

“I thought the Wellington event was fantastic.

The energy was unbelievable and I loved the fact that a number of teams had members who had come in from outside the core ‘tech’ world to educate themselves on start-ups or offer their services. Many of which were essential requirements for actually taking an idea and turning it into a viable business.”

Other than being actively involved with high potential companies, outside of work John stays busy with his family.

“I have five children and a beautiful wife which keeps life constantly developing and fun as we all grow up. Apart from spending time with my family I try to stay fit – mountain biking, running and a bit of yoga.

He has a genuine love and fascination for all I’ve been trying unsuccessfully to grow bonsai things technology, driving growth and New trees for the last 10 years with a very low Zealand, where opportunities for development survival rate.” provide many challenges and rewards. He is On a side plate next to KLP, John is involved a strong believer in smart committed people with several high growth businesses both who are prepared to work hard to reach their in New Zealand and San Francisco, including goals “regardless of background”.

Generator, 90 Seconds TV, BIMStop, Commarc and Teknique, which he says have great I ask what his advice would be for those people who have an idea but are unsure how traction, huge potential, great people and exciting market opportunities. to go about making it happen.

“There is nothing like looking back and seeing something you created from nothing valued highly by others.”

“The internet is a great leveller. Google will guide most web savvy, would-be entrepreneurs to the basics of presenting an idea and transforming it into a business model. A quick search will also generally highlight key competitors and useful people to talk to,” he says.

“I’d advise you try and think as quickly as possible around three key areas which you will need to demonstrate the right stuff:

“Kiwi Landing Pad continues to grow the base from which many more Kiwi start-ups can spread their wings in the USA and beyond and I remain committed to helping grow and curate the KLP community.”

Cover Photograph by Brady Dyer of Brady Dyer Photography. www.bradydyer.com

1) Having the people capable of taking your idea and turning it into a business.

2) Being able to quickly demonstrate meaningful traction in terms of the idea’s merit and demand from the marketplace.

3) How you build a viable business model around your idea so that customers buy your solution for more than it costs you to make it and that, ideally, the more customers you have the more money you make. It seems simple, but so many ideas fall way short in these three areas.”

John was a judge at Startup Weekend Wellington for the first time earlier this year, a weekend-long event where entrepreneurs www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 25

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28 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

News | Business Tips

Management traps to avoid

By Stephen Lynch

Leaders have two main jobs – direction and delegation. You don’t `do the work´ anymore because it’s your job to `get things done through others.´ You make the transition from using your functional skills to supporting other people to use theirs. Your job now is to prioritise the right key performance indicators and projects and then get them done through your people.

You start by setting clear goals and providing clear directions about what good performance looks like. Then put the right systems and performance measures in place and hold people accountable to achieve those standards.

Now, step back and let your team figure out how to do it.

They’ll develop faster and you’ll get more done. Yes, you are accountable for the results of your team’s work and you need to provide training, mentoring and support - but don’t try to control everything that happens. You may think your way is the right way - but it’s not the only right way.

You still have to hold people accountable Ideally, every role should have one objective measure of performance, a `score´ which is used to measure that person’s performance on a weekly and/or monthly basis. Everyone must know at the end of every month whether they are doing a good job or not.

If someone is not achieving the target level of performance, it is important that you deal with it promptly at the end of each month.

Rarely does a performance issue fix itself. Ask questions to understand what is really going on, and agree the specific actions both parties will take to address the performance issue in the coming month.

Don’t spend too much time trying to fix problem performers The 80/20 principle shows us time and time again that we must focus our time and resources on the employees, products, services, and customers which are the highest performers, and on those with the highest future potential.

Unfortunately when it comes to staff, it is an all too common trap for managers to spend most of their time trying to `fix´ poor performers, and as a result they can end up neglecting their A players.

Assuming you are providing the appropriate training, coaching and support - if a sub-par

employee can’t be brought up to speed within a mutually agreed time frame (I suggest three months), then you must accept that you have made a hiring error and cut them loose.

Stay in touch with the customer Make sure you truly know what is going on at the front lines of your business. Get out there and see for yourself. Speak to customers.

Spend time listening to customer service calls to hear what upset customers really think about your products and services.

loved ones for granted, we need to apply the same thinking with our people. Praise and recognise people who achieve their target level of performance every month and who simultaneously model your core values.

Engage your people with your heartfelt passion. If you are not truly passionate about the journey you are on, then you should not be leading these people.

Stop being the hero

If you have to keep parachuting in to save the day, you get to feel like a hero, but it is a symptom that you have not yet learned how to be an effective leader and a clear sign that Make it safe for your people to tell you the raw unvarnished truth. Don’t argue with them you need to go back and address one or more of the above steps. or shut them down. You may not always like what you hear, but at least now you have the opportunity to put it right. Get the raw data you need to make good decisions.

Make a decision The military teaches their officers that any decision is better than no decision. If you happen to make a wrong decision, admit you were wrong, and make a better one – but don’t just stand there being indecisive!

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News | Strategies

Do you have a strategy or just a goal?

Too many New Zealand businesses are holding themselves back from sustainable growth by failing to develop an effective business strategy. And many of them don’t even realise it.

That’s the conclusion business coach Leigh Paulden has reached after 11 years helping companies overcome growth chokepoints.

Many businesses grow simply by doing what they do well, without planning strategically for where they want to be, he says. And if they grow too fast without having a clear direction, it’s highly likely they will come off the rails under the pressure.

Even businesses that think they have a strategy often don’t, as they have confused goals or tactics with strategy, he says. “Quite often, people think what they need to do tactically is a strategy, whereas tactics should be a result of having a clear strategy.

“They think ‘we need to do this or we need to do that’ – but why are you doing this? How is it going to help you get to the point of where you want to be?

“Businesses often can’t tell me where they want to be without focusing on turnover or profit or sales. But they’re focusing on a number rather than a place.”

An effective strategy starts by centering on what Leigh, who is New Zealand’s only Gazelles International accredited business coach, calls a core ideology. “What are the driving passion and core values of the business? Why do you do what you do?

the “where” is about where it will be geographically in the market and with which products or services; and the “what” is shorter term priorities for the company.

“Once you’ve determined that, then you look at how you’re going to achieve it,” Leigh says.

“Setting out to achieve a certain level of turnover or profit is not a strategy – but meeting your financial goals is a result of being clear about your strategy and your tactics, and getting the right things right.”

Another common stumbling block for companies is that its leaders may be thinking strategically, but they’re all following a different strategy.

He gives the example of one professional services company that was doing OK, but not spectacularly. “Their profit was nowhere near where it should be.” The main reason was the four directors all had different strategies and were pulling in opposing directions.

Leigh helped them to decide on a clear, mutually agreed strategy so they could all work effectively together. “They’ve now got direction, and they’re executing it. As a result, their profit has increased by 450 percent in the past 24 months.”

It’s vital for businesses to be clear about their strategy so they know where to focus their efforts, and know what not to waste their time on.

“In one company I was working with, it became very clear that two things the company was putting a lot of time, energy and money into were actually going to take it in the wrong direction.” Once the strategy was clearly identified, the company could confidently shift its resources to areas that would bring sustainable growth.

And having a clear strategy also helps businesses ensure they’re not blindsided by events or situations they didn’t see coming.

“Having a clear strategy will also drive what you are watching and what leading indicators you are taking notice of, so you will see what’s coming.”

“Strategy is having the answers to the questions around the why, the where and the what. Until you know the why, the where and the what, you can’t determine the how.”

The good news is that once they have Strategy put together correctly and executed identified a clear strategy and a plan for well should give you a competitive advantage. implementing it, they do get that time back – and the sustainable, profitable growth they The “why” is about the passion driving were looking for. the business and its future destination;

What’s at your core?

It is extremely important for an organisation to be clear on its core ideology, because until you understand it you can’t work out your strategy.

To understand your core ideology, you need to know what your core values and your core purposes are. These are two of the fundamentals of strategy and a check when making strategic decisions.

Most companies have not stopped to clearly define their core values, which is one thing that holds them back.

Core values are simply a handful of rules that your company has in place and lives by regularly. They are not what you aspire to be as an organisation, they are what your company lives by now. They are not something to aim at – they are something you live by every day.

Whatever they are, your company has to define them – they must come from how you actually operate, not from outside. Share and repeat them often and live by them yourself.

What are your core values?

The other part of core ideology is core purpose: why is the organisation is doing what it is doing? Do not confuse the company’s products, services or income streams with core purpose. Core purpose reflects people’s idealistic motivations for doing the company’s work.

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News | Q&A

Power moves

Ari Sargent

By Melinda Collins

The classic paradigm for a profitable business is to make money off others, but for Powershop, saving money for others is what’s paying off.

The online energy retailer took out the top spot in the 2011 Deloitte Fast 50 with a massive 5,280 percent growth, the highest ever growth rate in the competition’s 11-year history.

regular specials and discounted power for buying it in advance.

What do you put Powershop’s astounding success down to?

How easy is it to use?

That we genuinely care about our customers and appreciate our success is only down to one factor – that people like being a Powershop customer. Every discussion we have and decision we make as a business starts and ends with our customers.

We’ve spent a massive amount of time making the design of Powershop very intuitive. It’s crucial that the user experience is simple and fun because encouraging people to change the familiar way of buying power – where you don’t think about it until that dreaded bill comes each month – is surprisingly not a simple task.

All you need is a computer, mobile phone or tablet and the internet. We email customers each week to update them on how much power they’re using and how it compares to the previous week. We let people know of specials via email, Facebook and Twitter.

Still supplying power to more than 49,000 households and businesses nationwide, Powershop continued its ranking reign in 2012 For people who don’t want to actively shop for power then Powershop buys it on with 529.39 percent growth, putting it in their behalf at the cheapest rate possible.

7th position.

Thankfully our customers agree that it’s easy A prepaid electricity pricing option, Powershop saves Kiwis money by allowing - Powershop has topped Consumer’s Customer them to pay for what they need rather than Satisfaction Poll of power companies for three the same rate for the whole year. The pricing years running. anomaly was discovered when they started doing bill estimates for companies interested in getting a better deal.

How did the company start?

Based on more than 300 nationwide businesses Powershop prepared estimates for, they calculated Auckland businesses could save an average of eight percent, Wellington businesses nine percent, Christchurch businesses 17 percent and Dunedin businesses an average of 24 percent off their current annual power bill.

Powershop CEO Ari Sargent talks to Melinda Collins about shaking up an industry.

Can you give us a rundown of how Powershop works?

Powershop is an online power company where people can shop for electricity, get regular deals and monitor their power use. We started Powershop to shake up the electricity industry and give people back control by taking away nasty bill surprises and allowing people to buy power on their own terms.

The original idea came out of a brainstorming session on the future of selling electricity at Meridian, Powershop’s parent company. The one thing that stood out about electricity retailing was that in the eyes of many Kiwis buying electricity was a boring and necessary evil. It was hardly surprising that most people were disinterested in how much power they used and therefore were regularly shocked at the cost of their monthly bill.

We thought how cool would it be if people could buy power like they bought groceries in a supermarket. We explored a few different ways to make it happen before realising that the power of the internet had never been harnessed by the power industry.

Using the internet to help people engage with their power consumption made perfect sense.

I left Meridian to get the idea rolling with the help of a very small and very dedicated team. Four years later we have over 50,000 customers and 80 staff.

How does it save people money?

It makes people aware exactly how much power their household or business is using over a day, week, month or year, which means they can better control how much power they use. We also offer our customers

What advice would you give to others who have a great startup idea?

Believe in the power of crazy ideas and that there is always a better way. Be prepared to fail, but when you do, fail fast and move on.

32 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

We have three simple rules for staff in Powershop: 1. Give a shit – care about customers and everything you do.

2. Much more betterer – make everything a customer sees better than they’ve seen before.

3. Keep being weird – be who you are and have the respect to allow others to be who they are. This speaks to the diversity of the team within Powershop and also within our customer base. We don’t treat customers as homogenous, we treat them as real people.

How many people in New Zealand are paying more for their power than they need to?

I’d say most Kiwis are paying more than they need to. There is a big difference in most areas between the most expensive retailer and the cheapest so switching to a cheaper power company is the first thing better need to consider. Monitoring your power use is also likely to bring costs down. We know that the majority (over 90 percent) of our customers save money in the first year they sign up to Powershop.

Where is Powershop in terms of international expansion plans?

We are launching into Victoria, Australia very soon. We’re very excited about showing Aussies there is a better way to buy power.

What are some of the key challenges you have had to face through the development of the company?

The biggest has been getting people more interested in their power use. When we first started in 2009, we were so convinced of how much better Powershop was compared with the dinosaurs of the industry, we thought people would sign up in droves. It was more like a slow trickle to begin with.

What we didn’t count on was how unengaged people were with their electricity company

and their power use. We had to really concentrate on showing people the benefits of having more control.

The power industry must be highly competitive, how do you stay ahead of the game?

We have a very smart bunch of people who work for Powershop. Luckily we’re all pretty restless and constantly looking ahead and thinking about how we can make the Powershop experience better. Despite our growth, we’ve kept Powershop a noncorporate environment where process doesn’t stand in the way of progress.

Are there any key challenges facing the power industry now and in the future?

How can these be addressed?

There are always plenty of challenges facing our industry. The biggest in the last year was balancing rising power costs due to a major upgrade of the national grid, with still giving customers a good deal.

We have addressed this by taking a long term approach and rather than looking at making a decent short term profit, we’re focused on keeping customers happy and knowing that if they’re satisfied they’ll stick around, which will benefit us in the long term.

For Powershop, our biggest challenge is our size. We’re small so don’t have the big budgets of the five major retailers and can’t spray people with lots of advertising to make ourselves heard. We need to be smarter, more strategic and move faster.

What about plans for the future for Powershop?

To continue to push ourselves and show more people there’s a better way to buy power. And continue to make Powershop more valuable and even simpler than it is now

News | Interview

The comeback kid At an age in time when most are contemplating their release from the confining shackles of home and school life, Nick Smith was considering a life which could be restricted by a chain heavier than that imposed by any teacher or parent.

By Melinda Collins

Young, bright and ambitious, Nick served as a councillor for the Rangiora District Council at just 18, while still attending secondary school.

He has since held more than 10 Ministerial portfolios in the Bolger, Shipley and Key Cabinets, covering conservation, education, immigration, corrections, social welfare, treaty negotiations, environment, climate change, ACC and local government.

But his parliamentary pilgrimage hasn’t been without its controversies.

The National MP began his 2011 term on a high note which included developing a major local government reform package.

Just months later the hard work all came crashing down when he was dragged into the Bronwyn Pullar ACC controversy.

In March last year, Dr Smith resigned from Cabinet after he was found to have written a letter on ministerial letterhead supporting Pullar, his former friend, without disclosing the conflict of interest.

But far from languishing on the backbenches for the past nine months, Nick has relished the opportunity to get back to basics from a grassroots level and has bounded back into the parliamentary playground with gusto.

He tells Melinda Collins about poor choices, reconnecting and the real cost of politics.

You earned your first class honours degree in engineering, followed by a PHD in landslides, where did you see your career heading?

At the time I was highly ambitious and interested in politics, but it seemed like a high risk career option. I loved engineering, but it was always my day job; a plan B. I was incredibly lucky to be able to stand for Parliament and pursue my first love.

What then drove you to enter the political arena?

I am from big family of eight children.

Everyone in the family wanted to be an engineer. My father wasn’t an engineer, but he was a bridge builder and so that field was seen as the closest job to God. As a 15 year old that was my ambition, to be an engineer.

I went for an exchange student programme to the United States and was taken aback by how many young people were involved in the political process there. I went to a school in Delaware where the current Vice President

Nick Smith

of the United States, Jo Biden was from and knew some of his family and friends there who were very political. I got the political bug from the US, then returned to New Zealand and in the equivalent of the last year of school, Year 13, stood for local body council.

I subsequently began my local government career then moved on to central government.

are humans, sometimes we get it wrong.

I was unlucky there was a privacy leak of thousands of files involving the same person.

ACC was also embroiled with a number of unrelated controversies at the same time; sometimes you really can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, but I am very philosophical about it.

What is the most fulfilling aspect of the position?

You’ve spent the last year on the backbenches, how was that?

From my first days in politics I have had a caravan at the colourful Nelson market. I have a tarot card reader and sales of all forms of art, books and food, alongside my own stand at the market. But for nearly 25 years through that market I have met with individuals and learnt about their own dramas in life. It is very satisfying in that it allows me to be so connected with the real dimension of politics and understand how it impacts peoples’ daily lives.

The first thing is when you’re a minster, you almost underestimate the pace and pressure involved in the position. So I was sort of frustrated and annoyed for a month, then I began to smell the roses so to speak, spend more time with my children, read books which I hadn’t previously had time to read. It became a period of real refreshment.

The most satisfying aspect is to have been in the position to be able to help people. I have not been able to help all; there are some I have failed, but the most satisfying aspect is to be able to do my best to make a positive difference in someone’s life.

The level of media attention that led to your resignation last year means public figures face ever increasing scrutiny, to the point where you could say they face trial by media and a verdict rendered via public opinion. How do you think this is impacting public figures’ ability to be effective in their roles - both negatively and positively?

Politics is a brutal business; that is a consequence of the privilege of being involved in decision making at the highest levels. Yes sometimes it is extraordinarily tough, but the balance of that is being part of really big decisions that matter. That’s the trade-off you make. I read the newspaper and often I get credit for things I had little to do with, other times I get little recognition for things which I have had heaps of influence over – that’s the nature of politics.

How difficult was it to resign considering the hard work you had put into the position?

It was a brutalising decision; that letter was a poor choice. I think as the Minister of ACC I signed out over 5,000 letters and politicians

34 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

The other real challenge for a minister is trying to remain connected to the community.

So I really enjoyed my nine months in purgatory, as I like to call it, getting to spend more time with constituents, getting better connected with schools, hospitals and local issues that are important. With four children it was also great to be able to do some family things that you don’t necessarily get the opportunity to as a minister.

What are your proudest parliamentary moments?

I’m incredibly proud in the 1990s the role I had in the Kahurangi National Park, individual projects in Nelson include the newly integrated Garin College, big roading projects like the Stoke Bypass, the major redevelopment of Nelson Hospital. At a national level, I am proud of the Environment Protection Authority which has been doing really well, in terms of programmes then things like the Fresh Start for Fresh Water Clean-up programme and ironically I am very proud of my involvement in pulling ACC out of financial difficulty.

In my first year we had a deficit of around $4.5 billion then three years in we were in the black by $2 billion. While there will always be controversy surrounding my time there, I am proud of my time with ACC. No politician is completely responsible for any positive or negative outcomes; in each of those projects I just made a contribution; the very nature of politics is that it is a joint business and others make significant contributions to those projects as well.

What do you see as being the greatest challenges facing New Zealand at the moment?

The one I’m really focused on and one which has been my passion for over 20 years is how does a country marry sound conservation policies with economic prosperity? We live in an economy that’s based on agriculture and forestry, fishing and tourism, all of which rely on careful management of our natural resources. And on the other side, a core part of being a Kiwi is being able to go to the beach, being able to catch a fish, being able to experience the beauty of our mountainous scenery.

For New Zealand, more than any other country, how we stitch together the management of those natural resources with our economy is just as important and will define our future so much as a country.

I’ve been working hard around trying to shift some of those debates from ‘either ors’ to ‘ands’ – that is, how do you get the environmental community to understand you need successful businesses to provide good jobs and incomes while at the same time as trying to get the business community to better understand their environment responsibilities.

I think we are making progress, I think we are getting out of that highly polarised protest way of dealing with those issues and trying to get a more balanced, sensible more pragmatic way of doing that stuff.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m approaching that dreadful age of 50. This is my 8th term as an MP. I remain committed to my Nelson community; it’s a little paradise in the country which I feel strongly about. I’m back in the Ministerial saddle, buried in work and enjoying it. I just have huge confidence in the Prime Minister and of all the Prime Ministers I have worked under, I just love his relentless positivity and I want to continue to serve in his Government for as long as I am useful.

I’m also a realist, and that is that in politics sometimes the shit hits the fan, and it might not be your fault, but you’re dead. It’s a high risk profession; every day and the events that occurred last year are a reminder of that.

So I’m pretty philosophical about the fact that while it’s a privileged position to be in, it can finish tomorrow. My intention is to keep contributing while I am making a positive difference.

Businesses stand up to solve youth social issues As New Zealand’s youth organisations face an unprecedented funding crisis, businesses nationwide are standing up with new social brand Y for YOUTH to solve our serious youth social issues.

New Zealand has the highest youth suicide rate in the developed world, yet there are more than 6,000 charities dedicated to assisting our youth throughout the country.

Y for YOUTH co-founder Alex Greig says “There are hundreds of very successful programmes out there already in the community. The problem is that they are competing with each other for a diminishing pool of government grants, public donations and gaming trust money, which is limiting their ability to scale and expand capacity and in some instances threatening their very survival.”

Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation CEO, Craig Pollock says he and his organisation are fully aware of the impending youth sector funding crisis.

“Even as one of the larger youth organisations, it is a major challenge finding alternative revenue streams just to fund our current programmes. I suspect a lot of smaller youth organisations may simply not survive the next few years.”

Yet as traditional funding sources for the charity sector continue to decline, New Zealand’s alarming youth social statistics, such as bullying and suicide, continue to increase. Just last year there was a 40 percent increase in youth suicide for 15 – 19 year olds.

What can we do about our youth social issues and the youth sector funding crisis?

“New Zealand’s youth social problems are not going to be solved with sausage sizzles and the old method of rattling the bucket outside shopping centres. Our serious social problems require serious resources and funding,” Greig says.

Y for YOUTH is a turnkey corporate social responsibility platform that enables businesses to contribute to the youth sector in such a way that they benefit from positive publicity and increased sales.

Businesses and brands contribute a percentage of their profits to the Y for YOUTH support network.

In return companies display the Y for YOUTH trademark on their products and advertising, similar to Fairtrade or the Heart Foundation Tick branding models. Consumers are then encouraged to purchase from these companies.

Consumers want to buy from companies that support our communities Greig says that today more than ever, consumers want to buy from companies that contribute to our communities. “We have developed a system that makes it easy for companies to donate to the youth sector, but in such a way that they

benefit from increased sales, positive publicity and an improved brand image. It’s a win-win.”

Through the creation of a sustained funding platform for New Zealand’s youth sector, youth organisations’ fundraising burdens can be alleviated so they can focus on expanding their programmes and impacting as many youth as possible throughout New Zealand.

Y for YOUTH co-founder Lara Jane says “We’re talking about transformation and positive social change for all of New Zealand. The more youth that are positively impacted, the more youth that grow up to be happy, healthy, contributing members in our communities.”

100 Founding Angels As Y for YOUTH works towards becoming financially sustainable, it has created an opportunity for 100 forward thinking businesses and community focused individuals who wish to be involved in a movement to reduce New Zealand’s youth social statistics, to become Founding Angels.

Founding Angels support the development of Y for YOUTH by making an initial $5,000 donation (or $500 per month x 10 months), then $100 per month for three years.

Well known entrepreneur Michael Mayell, founder of Cookie Time, was one of the first to step up and claims that becoming a Founding Angel is a good way of practising corporate social responsibility. “This is just a great opportunity to give back, and it makes it very easy for businesses to do it.”

Twenty eight companies and individuals have already come on board as Founding Angels to support the development and growth of Y for YOUTH including Blacksmith Ltd, Navman Wireless, Academy Publishing, Coca–Cola, Tiki Taane, Kim and Mona Dotcom and Sales Star.

For further information and to get involved visit www.yforyouth.org

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 35

News | Interviews

36 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

News | Interviews

Life in pictures The Hobbit trilogy captures Bilbo Baggins’ journey from his comfortable hole in Bag End, Hobbiton through the sinister territory of the greater Middle earth. Baggins’ adventure might be pure fiction, but isn’t a world away from that of its visual creator’s path through the battlegrounds of business.

By Melinda Collins

Eight years ago, Tom Greally stepped into the general manager’s role at Weta Digital, marking the beginning of a period of diversification and growth for the company.

As Weta Digital celebrates its 20th anniversary of producing visual effects for large scale film productions, including Avatar, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and The Adventures of Tintin, Tom Greally talks to Melinda Collins about innovation, fostering creativity and telling tales.

Film fan

“The one for me that was a significant game changer was Avatar.

“This three year project provided us with the opportunity to work with yet another world class director in James Cameron. We leveraged a substantial growth in crew scale and infrastructure on the back of the project which has in turn put us in a position to diversify our base of projects for the long term.”

Telling tales

Weta Digital’s work on Rise of the Planets of the “I have always been an avid film fan without really Apes and The Adventures of Tintin never got the knowing the intricacies involved in getting a film to credit it deserved he says; both received Academy Award nominations but missed out on the Oscar. the stage of a theatrical release,” Tom explains of “It has always bugged me that the team did not his entrance into the dynamic industry. achieve more recognition than they did with the “I have found the process of film making intriguing Academy. The work was simply outstanding.” and the industry itself quite different from any other I have been involved with. I was particularly So why has Weta Digital been such a success; is it simply a case of telling great stories on the big drawn to the absolute passion and dedication of screen or is there more to it than that? the crew to make the impossible happen in order to meet deadlines and put the best work possible “Weta Digital acts as a production partner in on the screen. making great stories a reality,” Tom explains.

“Making sure that endeavour is sustainable from a “We are leaders in our industry because of the partnerships we develop, the innovation we bring business perspective is what keeps my interest in to the table and the passion to deliver the industry.” beyond expectations.”

The industry has always been subject to immense Weta Digital is currently working with its founding change and Tom has played a key role in helping partner Peter Jackson on The Hobbit series of the company negotiate its way through the films. The second film, The Hobbit: A Desolation commercial realities of those changes. Before of Smaug will be released on December 13, 2013, taking on the Weta role in 2005, he had held while the final film, The Hobbit: There and Back senior leadership positions for a global consulting Again, will hit theatres on December 17, 2014. company in New Zealand and Australia, specialising in business and technology strategy for “In parallel with the production of The Hobbit trilogy we will be working on the sequel to Rise of a wide range of sectors. the Planet of the Apes. Following that we have an “Having worked in a number of industries over ambition to be involved in a return to the world a 20 year period there is, in some ways, a nice of Pandora.” ‘simplicity’ about the visual effects industry.

The company has developed several proprietary “Our aims are fairly straightforward; we secure software packages to achieve its groundbreaking interesting projects, we recruit the best talent, visual effects and Tom says innovation will we deliver fantastic work and we celebrate in the continue to play an important role in the company. success of that endeavour.

“Innovation is absolutely critical for any player in “With growth comes risks as well as opportunities the visual effects industry which is still relatively and therefore there is a temptation to complicate young. It provides the basis for our continued that picture of simplicity but for the most part we relevance. We are fortunate to have a culture of have managed to ensure that our creative and innovation that goes back to our earliest days and production teams can continue do what they do it will always be an area of significant investment best – creating world class effects and imagery for for us.” the feature film market.

“My experience has taught me that change always involves compromise in order to be effective, that there must be respect for the individual and that patience is a virtue.”

Tom is extremely proud of all the company’s accomplishments, but one stands out the most.

Talking talent Weta Digital has 1,100 crew contracted to support the work it is doing on The Hobbit and other upcoming projects. “While our crew numbers are subject to some variation depending on our project

“

The idea is to remove the barriers that might appear to inhibit the exploration of the full ambit of their talents. That means making investments in technology and innovation so that they have the tools.

- TOM GREALLY

”

workload the trick is to maintain a consistent crew contribute to us having little difficulty in attracting base over time. Interestingly over 70 percent of the crew to our shores. crew here are New Zealand citizens or residents.”

“Having said that, as we have grown in scale we have been very active in training and recruiting Managing teams within the creative industries local talent for some time now and this will requires unique strategies. “When working in a creative industry it is important to ensure that you continue to be part of strategy into the future. establish an environment and a culture that allows A born and bred Wellingtonian, Tom says he has your people to express themselves and realise always loved the boutique nature of the city – their creative abilities,” he says. small enough to feel cosy and large and compact “The idea is to remove the barriers that might appear to inhibit the exploration of the full ambit of their talents. That means making investments in technology and innovation so that they have the tools, providing the support environment that means they do not get involved with an undue level of administration and of course securing the projects that continue to feed their creative ambitions.”

enough to offer a true city experience.

“It is the continued focus on the creation of jobs here that will ensure Wellington remains a vibrant city. Weta Digital enjoys its connection to the city on a number of fronts including its education partnership with Victoria University and our active support and sponsorship of the International Festival of the Arts.”

So does Weta Digital have a hard time attracting quality talent in this little corner of the South Pacific?

“Weta Digital is involved in a global industry and therefore is compelled to ensure that it contracts the best talent available on the world market. Our brand reputation, the films we work on and the working environment we provide to crew all www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 37

News | Lifestyles

Lifestyles

1.

By Davina Richards

1.

Sit on it

Nel Lusso chair There’s always going to be that millisecond where you fear you’re going to spill a drop of red wine or pasta sauce on this beautiful chair. The retro colours are set in an assortment of zigzags, curving lines, spots and floral designs on velvet material, mimicking the iconic retro design. The Nel Lusso chair is the epitome of modern retro funk. I can almost hear your sigh of resignation.

2.

RRP: $1,399 Available from: www.alliuminteriors.co.nz

2.

Survival of the fittest

Bear Grylls survival kit If you find yourself a bit of a Bear Grylls kinda guy, this survival kit has everything you need from waterproof matches to emergency cord. You’ll be a man on a mission with a fail-proof system in place. Make Bear Grylls proud!

RRP: $59 Available from: www.manbits.co.nz

3.

Stick it

World map clock wall decal Unlike paint or wallpaper, wall decals will transform your home without the mess of getting yourself covered in paint or cocooned in wet wallpaper. You’ll find a new edge to wall art with the evermore popular wall decals which is at the forefront of home design. This black and stylish world map clock is so striking that guests will be rubber-necking!

RRP: $550

3.

Available from: www.yourdecalshop.co.nz

4.

Tipping the scales

Bathroom scales The good folks across the sea in Japan have designed a bathroom scale perfect for small bathrooms. Better yet, its lightweight body of just 500g and a width of just 23cm, travellers can simply pop it into a case or carry on luggage. Bright, functional and lightweight, it makes a bold statement wherever you are in the world.

RRP: $65 Available from: www.urbanities.co.nz

4.

38 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

News | Lifestyles

Lifestyles 5.

5.

Get smart

Samsung Galaxy S4 Ahhhh yes, just what we need… yet another smartphone.

This latest and greatest Samsung Galaxy, the S4, seems to have followed the diet of Posh Spice with its light and trim body, but thankfully comes without a miserable face. If anything, this beaut beams with its full HD Super AMOLED display on its five inch screen. So how do you like yours; black mist or white frost?

RRP: Contact your local retailer. Telecom: $1149 Available from: selected retailers nationwide

6.

Harden up

Hardshell backpack

7.

6.

So, you’ve got the tablet, the Samsung Galaxy 4… but what you haven’t got is the Solid Gray hardshell backpack to keep all your beloved technology safe and secure.

The backpack, made in the Netherlands, is made from polypropene block copolymer, which the website states ‘even after being bent millions of times it will not break or tear.’ It includes smart locks, multi-clip, and durable EPDM foam, to protect your laptop or tablet. This could be a product of the future. Sleek, smart and tough. Come on! If you think you’re hard enough!?

RRP: $255 Available from: www.solid-gray.com

Stand up

7.

Pli coat stand It may have a preying mantas quality and stick insect appearance with its long and defined oak body, but it’s a contemporary take of a coat stand. So, now we’re coming into winter, don’t let your pet sleep on the pile of coats left on the floor in the hallway - make a home for those coats.

RRP: $375 Available from: www.backhousenz.com

8.

8.

Designer style

Sculpted stem mat Irish designer Orla Kiely has brought us a little colour to enhance your bathrooms instantly. Lay down this bright orange mat as an accent piece which holds style, splendour and function. We live by the saying ‘less is more’ – bright colours in small dosages make a big impact in a little way, this mat will do just the job.

RRP: $89 Available from: www.perchhomewares.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 39

Property & Construction | Enterprize Steel

The steel

specialists

Enterprize Steel has grown into a major player in New Zealand’s structural steel industry and has completed many landmark projects.

Enterprize Steel is a major player in Auckland’s structural steel market.

The company was established by Keith Munro more than 24 years ago as a small fabrication company. It has grown throughout the years to what it is today and currently employs more than 50 people from its large premises in Rosebank Road, Avondale.

Sarath Fernando joined in 1998 as an employee and subsequently became a partner. Five years ago Sanjay Pahwa joined as Enterprize Steel’s contracts manager and Dan Munro was promoted as workshop manager.

Focus on structural steel Enterprize Steel fabricates and erects structural steel and metal work. It undertakes any type of steel work: big, small, easy or difficult. However, Enterprize Steel specialises in challenging projects and has achieved good results on jobs that other companies might shy away from.

Enterprize Steel has traditionally focused on servicing the Auckland market, but has done a few projects in Samoa and the Pacific Islands.

It has recently carried out several projects in Papua New Guinea and Christchurch.

Some of its recent significant projects include the Auckland Art Gallery, The Crossing in Highbrook and the New Lynn Merchant Quarters.

Most of its site erection work is completed using the company’s own cranes and cherry pickers. It also has its own fleet of truck and trailer units for transportation.

Enterprize Steel undertakes a variety of work, including: • Structural steel • Metalwork • Coded welding • Balustrading • Frameworks for louvres • Pressure vessels • Form work.

Director Sarath Fernando says Enterprize Steel stands out from its competitors by providing a high quality, friendly service.

Staff work hard to achieve stipulated targets and the highest levels of quality on every job.

Enterprize Steel consolidated its operation during the economic recession and is continuing to grow.

Proudly supplying & servicing aerial platforms for construction & industry. Sales, service & certification.

New, used, reconditioned units available.

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CRD Automotive Ltd is a family owned business.

During the past 15 years CRD Automotive Ltd have been carrying out maintainence and repairs on Enterprize Steels very large variety of equipment both at our workshop and onsite.

CRD Automotive ltd congratulates Enterprize Steel on Their 20th Anniversary

P. 09 820-5360 | F. 09 820-5361 | 31 Fremlin Pl, Avondale, Auckland 40 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Enterprize Steel transports Britomart canopies on their way for erection.

Suppliers of an extensive range of roofing and cladding profiles, metal tiles and metal fencing. Also the most comprehensive range of purlins and top hat sections manufactured in New Zealand

Property & Construction | Enterprize Steel Challenging gallery project • St Luke’s storage facility • Count Down Lincoln Road (under construction).

Enterprize Steel has been involved with a wide range of significant projects in recent years, including the $121 million Auckland Art Gallery upgrade.

Fletcher Construction • Bridge beams for Boston Road • Grafton Gully including railway bridge • KPV bridge beam • Placemakers, New Lynn • AUTstudio canopy • Coca Cola Warehouse, Mt Wellington • Adding more stories to AMP building • AUT building.

The Auckland Art Gallery opened late last year after a huge aesthetic and structural transformation. This fully restored heritage building is a hybrid of historical and contemporary character, with Hawkins operating as the main contractor.

The project involved a significant amount of civil works, with retention piling, soil nails and ground anchors all being used to allow excavation and construction of new basement levels between the heritage buildings.

The project features a new structure made of concrete and structural steel that utilises an innovative post-tensioned façade system.

Significant seismic strengthening of the 1887 and 1916 components of the main building was required to bring the existing heritage buildings up to current design codes.

The Crossing Enterprize Steel is providing structural steel for The Crossing at Highbrook, a large new commercial development that includes bars, cafe’s, restaurants, banks, serviced apartments, a conference centre and legal and accounting firms. It also features spacious public areas and plenty of parking.

The Crossing will incorporate five buildings built around a podium base and linked by an open air plaza,all with a sleek, progressive architectural style.

The New Lynn Merchant Quarters.

New Lynn Merchant Quarter Another major project for Enterprize Steel is New Lynn’s Merchant Quarter condominiums, on which construction has recently started.

The 10-level apartment complex will be located above the newly completed medical centre and carpark, adjacent to Lynn Mall and across from the transport centre. It will be the tallest building in the west and will involve 110 apartments.

The freehold unit titles come in various titles with balconies and panoramic views, and the project is expected to be finished by early 2014.

Other projects completed by Enterprize Steel include: Rosmini College, street canopies in central Auckland, a new film studio in Henderson, Mitre 10 Whangaparoa, Constallation bus station, Auckland Showgrounds, Scene Apartment, Auckland Domestic Airport and Lloyd Elsemore Pool.

Enterprize Steel has provided structural steel to a wide range of major clients and projects, including:

Naylor Love Construction • Paramount Drive, Henderson • Mt Roskill Medical Centre • Kinetic Engineering building • Bunnings Warehouse, Mt Roskill.

Hawkins Constructions Ltd • Lloyd Elsmore Pool • Auckland Airport hangers 5 and 6 • Auckland Museum Car Park (metal work) • Auckland Showgrounds • Air New Zealand Cargo.

Kalmar Construction • New building at Massey University • Penrose Glass Recycling new building • Apex shopping complex opposite Sylvia Park • College Hill.

Argon Construction Ltd • The Grand Apartments, Auckland.

Downer Construction • Empire Apartments • Britomart Streetscape Canopies • St Kentergern College, Auckland Civic Theatre, Auckland (metal work).

Ebert Construction Ltd • Kaka Commercial • Crean Foods Albany

Watts And Hughes • Countdown - Stoddard Road.

In addition, Enterprize Steel has done many projects with Canam Construction, Dominion Construction, Haydn and Rollett, Macrennie Construction, Aspec Construction, Cassidy Construction and JCL Construction.

NEED A PROTECTIVE COATING? Absolute Blast is a specialist Grit Blasting Protective and Industrial Coatings company supplying a fast, efficient and high quality coating and blasting service using products such as Steel Shot and other Blasting Media, Hot Zinc Metal Spraying and Industrial Paint Systems.

Absolute Blast Steel Blasting and Coatings Work covers a wide range of Commercial and Industrial Industries including the Engineering, Transport, Construction, Restoration and Petrochemical Industries.

Absolute Blast can also carry out on site Residential and Industrial Work and powder coating on request.

We invite work into our Panmure warehouse from steel car rims to large industrial warehouses....call today for a competitive quote!

Ph: 09 574 0000 F: 09 574 0008 M: 021 593 347 E: absoluteblast@callplus.net.nz | Unit E 6 Morrin Road, Panmure www.absoluteblast.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 41

Property & Construction | Enterprize Steel

You’ve already heard of the dangers of drinking out of plastic

Enterprize Steel Limited operates a range of high-end machinery and is continually upgrading to ensure its fleet stays in peak condition.

Its machinery includes: • Diatobeam line • Bandsaw machines • Guillotine • Mobile cranes

• • • • • • • • •

• Shearing/punching machine • Plasma with oxy cutting head • Shearing machine • Welding machines • Forming press brake • High-definition plasma machine • Rolling machine • Radial arm drill.

Enterprize Steel offers a range of additional services, including:

500ml, 750ml, 1000ml, Priced from $23.95 inc GST Dishwasher safe 18/8 food grade quality stainless steel Fits most cup holders Great gift Individually boxed Fits ice cubes 100% money back guarantee Free sports lid

• Hot dip galvanising • Zinc metal spray • Grit blasting • Industrial painting • Free quotations • Preparation of shop drawings.

Enterprize Steel Limited PO Box 71155 Avondale 1026 T (09) 828 2224 E admin@entsteel.co.nz www.entsteel.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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42 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Call 0800 777 444, or go to our website www.safebottles.co.nz to order your SafeBottle today 47b Birmingham Drive, Middleton, PO Box 1879, Christchurch 8140.

Property & Construction | Progressive Foundations

The home relocation specialists Demolishing an old house can be more expensive than having it removed, so what do you do?

You turn to Progressive Foundations Limited – the company that can take the headache from your removal job.

Progressive Foundations has been relocating houses across New Zealand since 2005, it also repairs and re-piles old foundations and builds foundations for new homes.

Progressive Foundations offers a range of professional services, including:

Company strengths Andrew Silcock says Progressive Foundations is a boutique company offering a more specialised service than some of its competitors. “If you’re dealing with us, you get a one on one service with myself or Ian,” he says.

•

• Re-piling - replacement of unsound foundations and reinstating to level

“Customers like to talk to the guys who are doing the job and seeing it right through; that’s our point of difference.”

Progressive operates two large transport trucks, as well as Bobcats, a six-tonne excavator, a winch tractor, a wheel loader and hydraulic jacking plants for lifting houses. It has recently moved to a large new site in Firth Street, Drury, where there is plenty of room for growth.

Houses bought, sold and moved - it buys houses for removal and offers pre-loved houses for sale and re-siting

• Piling - installation of new timber pole foundations for new or existing homes • Re-levelling - raising and re-blocking building to level • Jacking and rolling - onsite repositioning of structures

Progressive Foundations builds foundations for new homes.

• Concrete floors - construction of conventional and rib raft floor slabs for both new and existing buildings

Owned by Andrew Silcock and Ian Stanton, who lead a small team with a huge amount of knowledge and experience, the company can transport buildings from their existing sites to completely new locations throughout New Zealand. It can move a range of building types and sizes, including houses, barns, classrooms, offices and sleepouts.

•

Basement development - construction of concrete basements/supporting/ excavation and blockwork construction

• Footings and ground beams - excavation of both footings and bridging works of structures

“Developers might call us because they want an old house removed off a site and it’s cheaper for him to get us to take it away, rather than demolish it,” Silcock says.

• Earthworks and site preparation - initial site clearing and site cuts/ backfilling and compaction • Demolition - the demolition of houses, buildings, sheds, chimneys, block walls, brickwork and more

“We bring it back to our yard and do it up and sell it. Typically we on-sell them to rural areas for use as extra accommodation on farms, share milking, batches or holiday homes. It’s a cheap option for someone and a quick instant house.”

• Structural moving - lifting and shifting of machinery/roof sections/concrete panels/swimming pools/sculptures • Retaining walls - timber pole and keystone retaining wall construction.

Focus on foundations Progressive Foundations offers a range of foundation service to complement its home relocation services. The company lifts old houses and re-piles them if they’ve subsided.

It can also build basements and garages underneath and carry out flood protection work and provide a range of structural building services, including demolition, concrete floors, earthworks and site preparations.

Progressive Foundations Limited 45 Firth Street Drury Auckland T 021 125 1668 (Andrew) T 027 442 6001 (Ian) E admin@progressivefoundations.co.nz www.progressivefoundatons.co.nz Progressive Foundations relocates houses throughout New Zealand

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 43

Property & Construction| NZ Landscape and Garden Supplies

Everything your outdoor

area ever needed

New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies’ brand new store in Albany is providing North Shore customers with the same quality products and services the rest of Auckland has had for years.

The largest family owned and run landscape supply business in Auckland opened its new Albany store at 15 Gills Road in the old Albany village, on May 13. The store complements the company’s three existing branches in Springs Road, East Tamaki, Captain Springs Road, Onehunga and Marua Road, Ellerslie.

Director John Lister says the opening of the new branch has been a big success and means NZ Landscape and Garden Supplies can now offer a total service to North Shore customers.

“We’ve had a very good response. People have been going in and having a look around and are pleased to have an alternative place to shop for their landscaping needs,” he says.

stones, as well as paving and masonry. All products are available in 22 litre bags, as well as free loan trailers for customers to borrow for up to two hours.

“Because we’ve opened in the middle of winter, people are coming to us and planning ahead for spring.”

The company has trucks that can take up to seven tonnes, as well as smaller trucks for ease of delivery to any site. Two of its new trucks can also carry split loads, which mean you can have two different products delivered to your address at the same time.

Allan Block segmental retaining wall systems will do everything that other systems do, but will make the job easier while offering the same reliable finish.

Exciting new Allan Block

Stock is available directly from the yards, while nationwide delivery can be arranged if required.

The Albany branch’s new staff members, James and Shaun, have plenty of experience in the industry and are looking forward to developing relationships with their new customers.

The total package The new Albany store offers a full range of products and services to cater for both the residential and commercial markets.

It stocks everything from ponga logs to top soil, sand and drainage material, paving and masonry, construction material and cement products. It also has the Living Earth brand of products both in bags and in bulk.

New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies offers a full range of decorative pebbles and

NZ Landscape and Garden Supplies is the new Auckland distributor for Allan Block Segmental Retaining Wall systems, which are also available at the company’s new Albany branch.

Allan Block is an international brand of segmental retaining wall that has had a small presence in New Zealand in the past and is now making a major impact in the retaining wall market. It

is available with a full range of blocks, caps and corners in the most popular colours and styles.

The blocks are made and distributed from their manufacturing plant in Morrinsville to New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies’ four yards throughout Auckland.

John Lister says the Allan Block is gaining a lot of interest and is helping the company develop a new area of business.

Staff have been fully trained and can answer all questions regarding the wall system, with instructional videos available on the NZ Landscape and Garden Supplies website.

CONGRATULATIONS NZLS ON THE OPENING OF YOUR NEW ALBANY DEPOT “The way a team plays as a whole determines its success” -Babe Ruth

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Email. office@mcwatt.co.nz

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One Stop Shop

• Full mechanical service-both petrol and diesel

...which includes not just mechanical repairs but also body and chassis maintenance, primarily for trucks, trailers, commercial vehicles and also for private cars.

• Pre COF Checks

44 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

• Warrant of Fitness Checks (The workshop is an “Authorised Vehicle Inspection Centre”) • Fibreglass repairs and alterations • Chassis alteration • 24 hour call out service

Property & Construction | NZ Landscape and Garden Supplies Company in growth phase New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies is focused on growth and development in order to improve its customer offering even further.

John Lister says New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies has been in a period of growth and development since it broke away from another group and changed its name two years ago.

“We’ve been in this industry 13 years and since we’ve been on our own we’ve grown and moved ahead; we have established the NZLS brand,” he says. “We’ve improved the profitability of the business and have increased our staff to 25.”

A major focus of New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies has been to improve its relationships with suppliers. “When we shifted brands we didn’t lose a single customer or supplier. The loyalty was built over many years with good service, reliability and becoming well known in the industry, and because of this we’ve had good support from our suppliers and transport people.

Working together NZ Landscape and Garden Supplies is the new Auckland distributor for Allan Block Segmental Retaining Wall systems.

“They have helped us do a business plan, as well as with mentoring and strategic planning,” John Lister says.

“We’ve bought new vehicles and machinery and it’s all part of the growth package,” John says.

“They’ve been key in helping us establish ourselves. We’re taking advice from people and doing strategic planning. The results show that good business advice makes good sense.”

“We’ve consolidated everything we’re doing and have good relationships with people; it’s just a great industry to be a part of.”

Improved end result for customers

ACE TYRES

New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies’ customers are now benefiting from having four branches servicing all of Auckland.

“Customers will benefit because of our buying power within the industry, which gives us some of the best prices around. We trade on honesty, reliability and service and we always go that extra mile for our customers,” John says. “Staff training and our knowledge is an essential part of our business.”

Onehunga’s most trusted independant privately owned tyre specialists of New & Used Truck & Car Tyres.

New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies has a range of delivery options for customers.

Proudly supporting NZLS

New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies is ready to meet the needs of the Auckland building industry, which is set to boom.

“We have a number of years of growth ahead of us, particularly as the Auckland property market expands, and we are well positioned to take full advantage of that with our new masonry products and our spread of stores around the city. We’re poised for further growth.”

New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies has been working closely with Transition Partners Limited in its growth and development.

Come & see us now!

344 Neilson Street, Onehunga Auckland.

MORE STRATEGY IN PLANNING | LESS BLOOD IN BATTLE New Zealand Landscape Supplies invested their time with Business Transition Partners to develop a winning Business Strategy, focused Objectives and a realistic Growth Plan....... and they have executed brilliantly!

You too can transition your business to success by calling us now on 021 942 222 and asking one of our professional advisers for a free consultation. Time is running out..........

www.businesstransitions.co.nz

09 634 5958

www.acetyres.co.nz

PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH NEW ZEALAND LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

JakMatGeocell the real honeycomb for ultimate strength and retention of aggregate or grass. Give your driveway, boat/campavan park or garden path the natural makeover with the added advantage of being water permeable.

For more information or a quote phone New Zealand Landscape Supplies (NZLS) 0800 562 387 or email info@nzlandscape.co.nz

150 Wiri Station Road P.O Box 97376, Manukau City MANUKAU 2241 P: 09 262 1650 F: 09 262 3128 E: enquiries@jrh.co.nz

www.jrh.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 45

Property & Construction | NZ Landscape and Garden Supplies

Aztec Pizza Ovens New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies sells the popular Aztec pizza ovens, which can be built in half a day.

The DIY model is one of the easiest, cost-effective ways of getting a finished pizza oven in your backyard.

The Aztec Alfresco kitset comes with all the components you need to build your own wood-fired pizza oven.

New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies is continually growing its product range in order to meet the changing needs of the Auckland market.

New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies provides all the components needed to build this great addition to any backyard.

Delivery options New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies has a brand new store in Albany.

The business caters to the residential, commercial and utility markets.

New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies offers a range of delivery options, including: • Five delivery trucks to deliver and tip bulk landscape and garden materials • A smaller truck for tight spots or lesser quantities, up to 2.5 tonnes or 3 cubic metres of lighter product • The company’s largest truck will carry up to 10 cubic metres of light material such as bark or mulch, or 7 tonnes of heavy material

Its product range includes: • Bark / mulch • Decorative stones and pebbles

• Six-wheeler trucks and truck-and trailer units are also available to carry 12 tonnes and 30 tonnes respectively

• Construction materials • Metal and drainage material

• Bulk bags are available in 22 litre bags

• Paving and sands • Weed mat and fabrics.

New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies sells the popular Aztec pizza ovens, which can be built in half a day.

46 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

• Free loan trailers are available.

Property & Construction | NZ Landscape and Garden Supplies Company backed by years of experience New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies’ owners John and Lyndle Lister have been in the landscape industry since 2000 and have a wealth of experience to offer their customers.

Keola Homes

Little business steps up

Buying an existing rundown operation and growing it to involve four sites during the following 13 years means they have grown with the industry and have developed strong relationships with many customers and suppliers through some difficult and challenging economic climates.

The couple only employ reliable and conscientious staff, including operations manager Tere Brunton, who has more than 25 years in the industry. Staff receive ongoing training to ensure they keep up to date with new products.

New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies employs a Chinese sales rep which has developed a strong customer base within Auckland’s large Chinese community.

All staff can help customers with suggestions and solutions, whether it is about product or finding someone to do the work for you; nothing is too much trouble.

New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies 15 Gill Road Old Albany Village T (09) 414 1999 E albany@nzlandscape.co.nz 55 Springs Road East Tamaki T (09) 273 3033 E easttamaki@nzlandscape.co.nz Pikes Point Refuse Transfer Station 81 Captain Springs Road Onehunga T (09) 634 4477 E onehunga@nzlandscape.co.nz 157 Marua Road Ellerslie T (09) 571 0080 E ellerslie@nzlandscape.co.nz New Zealand Landscape and Garden Supplies stocks a wide range of masonry and pavers.

SI LIMITED

www.nzlandscape.co.nz — Advertising Feature

One of life’s most puzzling questions is whether it was the egg or the chicken that came first.

For Sanjesh Lal, it was the egg. At 11 years old, his first construction project was a chicken coop, his first business, selling eggs.

“If you ever need a challenge, start a house building company in a recession, when people aren’t even building a fence,” Sanjesh laughs.

While his engineering degree means his modern day construction projects have grown significantly in complexity, the business lessons born from the chicken coop are still as relevant today as they were back then.

What these properties do have in common is their quality and workmanship, all built with the client in mind by Keola Homes.

Today those construction projects come to fruition under the name Keola Homes and range from residential new builds through to light commercial, though the latter category was a late addition to the company’s capabilities.

In fact, Keola Homes was established in 2007 to do just what its name suggests, homes. However Sanjesh says the team was prepared to take on the challenge when a new client requested they build a new childcare facility.

“The Magic Kingdom Childcare Centre was the very first commercial project we had completed and it won a national commercial building award earlier this year.

“We were the smallest, the youngest, and a house building company up against some of the biggest players in the commercial building industry, so it was an incredibly humbling experience.”

But if accolades are any measure of success, there would be no other way to describe the company, which took out a House of the Year award for its first ever project back in 2008.

SREKA INDUSTRIES LIMITED

Today Sanjesh has around 20 homes to his credit, some of which have been homes, some which have been commercial properties, some total design and build projects, while others have been solely the building.

The Blockhouse Bay organisation specialises in building on difficult sites, but then that’s not surprising considering the challenging start the company had.

Hon. Steven Joyce, Minister for Economic Development presents Sanjesh Lal (right) with a bronze award for the construction of Auckland’s Magic Kingdom Childcare Centre, Keola Homes’ first commercial project

Keola Homes 31 Heaphy Street Blockhouse Bay Auckland T (09) 627 7124 E sanjesh@keola.co.nz www.keola.co.nz — Advertising Feature

CLEANING OF...

• •

Manufacturers and suppliers of safety products, as well as custom extrusion and injection moulding products.

• •

New Built Homes Commercial Properties Rental Properties Interior/ Exterior Window Washing Detailing (Paint etc removal)

OTHER SERVICES...

PROUD SUPPLIERS TO NZLS P.

(09) 828-4208

F.

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info@sreka.co.nz www.sreka.co.nz 48 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

CARTAGE | STORAGE WAREHOUSING DISTRIBUTION Tel: 09 63 444 63

www.rpcnz.co.nz

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Exterior House Washing Roof Treatments Water Blasting Light Demolition Work Yard Cleans & Rubbish Removal

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Property & Construction | Fit-Easy Door Company

A simple idea

that streamlined building A door can be hung in 10 minutes thanks to the Fit-Easy Door Company’s split-jamb pre-hung door system.

The Fit-Easy Door Co was established more than 20 years ago by entrepreneur Ron Paul, who was looking for an idea to give him an edge in the building industry. Ron designed the Fit Easy Door split-jamb pre-hung door system in 1989, after realising there had to be an easier way to hang doors and to get a niche in the market.

A builder by trade, his split-jamb system quickly revolutionised the building industry and slashed the amount of time required to hang a door. With the Fit Easy Door system, each door can be hung in less than 10 minutes, making the system ideal for use in every scenario. Doors for an entire house can be hung in a morning.

Contemporary product range Fit-Easy Door’s range of moulded panel doors is second to none. Door faces feature embossed wood grain designs pre-primed for the perfect finishing paint job, at a fraction the cost of joinery doors, these are also done in a smooth finish.

Wood veneers offer natural variations and a unique pattern that will contrast or blend in perfectly with their surroundings.

Ron says V-groove doors are particularly popular at the moment. V-groove doors have a tongue and groove appearance with vertical grooves running down the doors. Over-height doors are also in high demand and the company also undertakes exterior doors and shutters.

STEP 1

The Fit-Easy Door Company’s splitjamb pre-hung door system offers many benefits, including:

• The door is the last item to be installed, meaning less prone to damage

STEP 2

The Fit Easy Door system saves labour costs for the builder and the end user, who spends less on architrave packers and cutting expenses.

The complete door package

Fit SECTION 2 into the groove in the back SECTION 1 and fix temporarily.

Ron Paul says once people have tried the FitEasy system, they stick with it.

STEP 3

• Fixing of the door system is down the architrave

• Can be used with any type of architrave • Because the system comes as a completed unit it means the client is paying for no additional or hidden costs • This system comes in lengths of 4.2m, for door pre hangers, saving wastage and money.

• Gib can be fixed horizontally

Fit SECTION 1 into the wall cavity. Level the opening Head and Style (and Door) and fix both jamb styles temporarily.

• Architraves are glued and nailed onto the split jamb in the factory, giving a better fixing

• Can be used for steel stud and will also pick up the variation where head overlaps the two main studs

• Speed of installation

DIAGRAMS NOT TO SCALE

The Fit-Easy Door Company has stood the test of time and is still leading the market with its patented split-jamb pre-hung door system.

• Gib can be plastered and sealed before the door is put in place • It comes as a complete system, excluding painting (doors are normally pre-primed • It can be used in a range of wall thicknesses, from 89-120mm especially in older homes with rough sawn studs

The Fit-Easy Door Company 2/4 Waikaukau Road Glen Eden Auckland T (09) 818 4398 E fiteasydoors@xtra.co.nz www.fiteasydoors.co.nz — Advertising Feature

“We have the original Fit Easy Door system, which is great for multi housing, apartments, commercial and the DIY. It’s for a range of different door products now and we have the total door package,” he says.

“We do sliders, cavity type sliders as well, customers don’t have to go anywhere else; we do the whole package.”

Check that the Door is both opening and closing properly and is balanced.

Once complete fix permanently.

Cowdroy, proud supporters of The Fit Easy Door Company.

T u n n i c l i f f e

T i m b e r

C o m p a n y

L i m i t e d

Suppliers of interior and exterior window and door products.

Pre Hung Door Systems Split Jamb System 2/4 Waikaukau Road, Glen Eden, Auckland P. (09) 818 4398 | F. (09) 818 4397 | E. enquiries@fiteasydoors.co.nz | www.fiteasy.co.nz

Proud to support the Fit-Easy Door Company since 1992 Customers call us free on 0800 657 934 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 49

Property & Construction | Drain Surgeons

Auckland’s emergency drainage specialists If your drains are blocked or your property is flooded you need it fixed and fixed fast.

Well the team at Drain Surgeons has the expertise and technology to solve your drainage problems quickly.

Drain Surgeons is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading specialist drainage companies.

Established in 1997, with branches in both Auckland and Christchurch, it has some of the most advanced equipment and technology available and is committed to a comprehensive policy of environmental responsibility.

The company, owned by directors Bill Whitelegg and Marc Ciochetto, offers a full range of services, including drain unblocking, CCTV inspections, vacuum loading, drain laying, fault location, laser profiling, sonar surveying, smoke testing, leak detection and pipe lining.

Residential service Bill Whitelegg says domestic work in Auckland is a core business focus for Drain Surgeons and primarily involves unblocking drains, emergency response work and programmed maintenance work.

The Drain Surgeons team understands the inconvenience a blocked toilet can cause and the need to have it unblocked as quickly as possible. Winter can also bring problems with

blocked drains outside resulting in flooding on your property.

The company’s specialist trucks have all the necessary equipment on board to clear any drain and the camera equipment to check for blockages, or to assess the condition of the line. If the pipes are damaged, its drain laying teams will provide a free quotation for repair or replacement.

Whether customers require drain repairs, replacements or a whole new system, Drain Surgeons’ teams of experienced, registered drain layers are on hand to assist with professional advice.

Residential work

Industrial drain services

Drain Surgeons’ residential services are available throughout Auckland and Christchurch and include:

Drain Surgeons offers a full industrial drain laying and repair service and is well respected within Auckland’s industrial sector.

• Drain unblocking • Drain laying and repairs • Drain cleaning and hydro-jetting • Defective drainage notices • Council CCTV video survey

Drain cleaning and hydro-jetting work is carried out with a range of equipment and can clean pipelines from 40mm up to two metres in diameter.

• Drainage consultancy service

Drain Surgeons’ qualified staff can assess drainage to determine if there are any problems. A CCTV drain inspection can be carried out and involves placing a high-tech camera into a stormwater or sewer pipeline.

• Pre-purchase property inspections.

• Root cutting • Vacuum loading

Drain Surgeons has a full range of high-spec camera equipment available with the ability to inspect pipes ranging in diameter from 50mm to three metres. With pan and tilt features and zoom capability, no crack or minor pipe defect goes unseen.

Industrial work includes stormwater and sewer repairs, repair of broken drains, flooding and water infiltration projects, commercial and factory drainage and new house drainage and additions.

Drain Surgeons undertakes high definition laser profiling and is a leader in large bore pipeline investigations. It also has a new freshwater mains division, with the technology to inspect live fresh water mains, rather than drains.

Drain Surgeons Limited 7F Douglas Alexander Parade Albany Auckland 0800 372000 T (09) 415 0298 E office@drainsurgeons.co.nz www.drainsurgeons.co.nz

A high-powered hydro-jet can be used to cut through any tree roots causing a blockage.

— Advertising Feature

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At McVeagh Fleming, we build relationships with our clients to ensure we know about you, your business and what you are trying to achieve.

We will help you structure or set up properly in business - and manage and grow that business.

We ensure all of your personal affairs are in the order that they should be. If you need specialist advice, we will take the time to properly work out what you require and make sure the person in our firm with the right specialist skills provides you with effective assistance.

If you want lawyers that will be a part of your business team, or fill the role of long term, trusted personal advisers - and that can provide specialist assistance when you need it, call us today.

50 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

McVeagh Fleming, Level 14, 1 Queen Street, Auckland City 1010: Business: Andrew Knight (09) 306 6730 Private Client: Matthew Tetley-Jones (09) 306 6728 First Floor, South Tower, 5-7 Corinthian Drive, Albany 0632: Business: James Varney (09) 966 3608 Private Client: Tony Coupe (09) 966 0263

Property & Construction | Keith Hay Homes

Creating affordable

homes for Aucklanders

Keith Hay Homes has been building homes that Kiwis can count on for 75 years.

The business was formed by Keith Hay on his 21st birthday in 1938 and is still owned by the Hay family today. It has built more than 22,000 homes alongside a strong reputation founded on honesty, integrity and trustworthiness.

Pioneering the transportable home Keith Hay was an innovator within New Zealand’s building industry and began his career relocating old houses and buildings throughout Auckland.

He soon saw a market for building new transportable houses and built his first one in 1948, as a prototype for relief housing for Auckland City Council. Transportable homes offered a cost effective solution to New Zealand’s post-war housing shortage.

“Keith Hay started building transportable houses for the efficiencies it provided through

centralised construction,” general manager Matthew Hay says.

“Efficiencies like better use of materials with reduced wastage and back then many tradesmen did not have a private vehicle and relied on public transport, which made it difficult to get to sites out of town. Today, transportable houses still have the advantage of a lower carbon footprint.

“It was difficult to get labour and materials to the site if it was a farm building out in the country. If they were built in the yard it was easily accessible to trams and bus routes and you could get the labour and materials a lot easier. Then it was just a case of shifting the finished house, which was much more cost effective in areas that weren’t accessible to the public.”

Keith Hay’s first dedicated yard for the construction of transportable houses and classrooms was opened in August 1953 in Carr Rd, Mt Roskill, and in the mid 1950s new classrooms were being transported as far afield as Taumarunui and Kaikohe.

A history of innovation Keith Hay continued to lead New Zealand’s building industry through the decades following his company’s establishment.

52 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

In the 1950s he saw the potential of replacing expensive imported timbers and scarce native timbers with renewable pinus radiata for house construction.

He was also an innovator in speeding up production methods, cutting labour costs, and incorporating plastics and other new materials into home construction. “A large part of the company’s history has been about innovation and how to do things more efficiently,” Keith says.

Keith Hay was also a pioneer in the development of house shifting trailers and winches on rubber-tyred tractors. In 2006, in recognition of services to the building industry, Keith Hay CBE JP was posthumously inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.

Family owned company Keith Hay Homes is still proudly owned and operated by the Hay family today.

Keith’s son David is the managing director, while David’s daughter Roseanne and son Matthew are third generation family members working in the business.

The company has nine branches throughout the North Island and one in Christchurch.

Offering quality and security Keith Hay Homes’ long history within New Zealand’s building industry gives clients the security and confidence they need.

The company offers a five-year guarantee that has the backing of 75 years’ experience and success.

Matthew Hay says Keith Hay Homes has built more than 22,000 homes and has completed every home it has started; not many other construction companies can make that claim.

“We try to bring good quality at an affordable price. We work on the cost of a house over its life, rather than on the initial price. We focus on value for money and use quality New Zealand trusted products and suppliers like NuLook Aluminium joinery, Pink Batts insulation, Carpet Mill floor coverings and Metalcraft roofs.”

Property & Construction | Keith Hay Homes New architectural homes Keith Hay Homes is now offering affordable architectural homes that meet a strong need within the housing industry.

Matthew Hay says the company has recently released its first fully architecturally designed house, with more plans in the pipeline. “Most people can’t afford bespoke architecture, but we’ve worked with an architect on how to bring his award-winning designs using our efficiencies and use of materials to make it affordable,” he says.

The Park Terrace is a contemporary home that is the result of collaboration between Keith Hay Homes and Architex NZ, an award-winning practice recognised for excellent design.

This partnership has resulted in the creation of a sustainable, transportable home design perfectly suited to New Zealand landscapes and lifestyles.

The Park Terrace has been designed to comply with Homestar criteria and Lifemark design standards for a comfortable, healthy, energy efficient and future-proof home.

Hay says the new Park Terrace house is being met enthusiastically by customers. The company has more architecturally designed homes still in development and hopes to be ready to release them soon.

“We want to bring affordable architectural homes to everyday New Zealanders,” Matthew says.

These plans cover a huge variety of possibilities from minor dwellings to a spacious 140sqm entertainer’s delight and from classic timeless design through to a contemporary and modern aesthetic.

Commercial and educational Keith Hay Commercial offers a range of cost-effective designs suited for a variety of uses, including as classrooms, early childhood centres, club rooms, medical rooms, staff training rooms, veterinary offices, sports clubs, site offices, storage and workshops.

Buildings can be customised to meet clients’ needs and because they are transportable, they can be on sold or relocated in the future.

Keith Hay Homes has more than 25 plans to choose from, including: • Investment and rental properties • Farm accommodation • Homes and lifestyle properties • Beach and holiday houses • Minor dwellings • Commercial properties • Classrooms and educational buildings.

“We are blessed with some fantastic staff, who all share that same common goal.”

A range of quality housing options In addition to its new architectural range, Keith Hay Homes has three existing housing ranges to choose from.

Keith Hay Homes still leads the transportable home market today.

Keith Hay Homes Limited 73 Carr Road Mt Roskill T (09) 621 0070 0800 KEITH HAY (534 844) E info@khh.co.nz www.keithhayhomes.co.nz

The Raglan, by Keith Hay Homes.

THE BEST DEALS GUARANTEED Congratulations Keith Hay Homes on 75 years of business

— Advertising Feature

Call today for a Measure & Quote 0800 255 855

www.carpetmill.co.nz

CBD

CARPET MILL

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 53

Property & Construction | Craftstone

The real deal in stone veneer cladding systems For anyone building new or looking to freshen up their existing home, spruce it up and give it a warm natural homey feel, New Zealand owned and operated business Craftstone is the place to go.

Its stylish stone range is the perfect, natural addition to brighten up any home.

Craftstone’s years in the business has armed it with a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of the New Zealand stone and building industry.

Its friendly team of experts is more than happy to provide any client, new or old, the best ideas and advice to perfectly complete any building and design project.

BRANZ stamp of approval Craftstone offers New Zealand’s only BRANZ appraised real stone veneer, giving customers full confidence in the knowledge that this company has strived and achieved the best for its clients.

A BRANZ appraisal is the industry recognition of quality products and systems. It is an independent verification that Craftstone has thoroughly tested not only its installation system, but the stone itself.

As an indication of its importance to the industry, many architects refuse to use any product that does not carry a BRANZ appraisal.

BRANZ verifies that the Craftstone Real Stone Veneer System is building code compliant and surpasses all weather tightness and seismic

requirements; giving reassurance in the rather shaky times evidenced by both Christchurch and Wellington.

Keep an eye out for imitators Beware of tradespeople offering to substitute cheaper products for specified systems. Not only is this illegal, but there is a very real chance of issues arising from this, including stone falling off, possibly from a height and resulting in injury or a leaky home.

Strong and beautiful Craftstone stone veneer is not just sturdy and proven to last, but it is also versatile, stylish and naturally stunning.

This tough, yet classy stone can be used for both interior and exterior designs, as a full exterior cladding or columns, as part of a hallway, an entranceway, a new fire place or feature wall, a garden wall, patio or even a driveway. However you use it, it is sure to make an impressive statement that will last a lifetime.

It’s a simple choice - choose Craftstone and you will save yourself a lot of heartache and will gain the best and safest stone system available in New Zealand today.

Products to choose from: Schist Clad Is random sized individual pieces of natural stone cut thin so that it is flat on the back like a tile, but with a natural rough face, giving a natural look at greatly reduced cost and weight. This product is installed stone by stone and

P A V I N G

&

S T O N E

We are proud to supply a professional service and exceptional product, which is truly realistic and has an authentic look to suit your tastes. m. 021 22 444 78 e. nzsci@xtra.co.nz www.nzstoneclad.co.nz

Jagas Paving Importers of Granite and Sandstone.

Leading manufacturers of precast and concrete paving.

Come and view our fantastic range at our showroom and outdoor display.

0800 4 JAGAS (52427) or (09) 274 1077 info@jagas.co.nz | www.jagas.co.nz 65 Cryers Rd, East Tamaki, Auckland

54 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Craftstone out and about can either be dry stacked or pointed.

Craftstone Schist Clad is available in three colours: Cape Brown, Coromandel Green and Basalt Grey.

Some of the commercial projects Craftstone has been involved in: - Auckland Zoo - Countdown Bridge Street, Hamilton

Craftstone Schist Clad

- Old council building, Blenheim

Real stone veneer panels are similar to Schist Clad, but are in a panel format.

The result is a natural looking stacked stone profile which is super quick to install. Schist Clad panels are available in three colours: Cape Brown, Coromandel Green and Basalt Grey.

- Lonestar Taupo - Danske Mobler, Hastings - Fishing and camping outdoors in Albany, Manukau, Palmerston North and Tauranga - Kingsgate Hotel, Greenlane - Langham Hotel, Auckland.

Craftstone Feature Schist Real stone veneer panels are made by cutting real stone into rectangular strips and epoxy gluing them together into 600mm long x 150mm high panels. The result is a stacked stone tile which is super quick to install compared to more traditional stone methods. Feature Schist panels are available in four colours: Cape Brown, Coromandel Green, Piha Black and Basalt Grey.

Craftstone has also installed its stone veneers on residential homes all around the country.

Please refer to “where can I view Craftstone” on the Craftstone website for a list of some of these or alternatively contact Craftstone for more information.

Crazy Paving Mats These are made by epoxy gluing pieces of natural stone to a strong mesh matting in a scientifically designed shape so that each mat is easily interlocked with the next. This allows for quality consistency as well as a quick and easy installation process to create a classy paved look.

Craftstone 6C Piermark Drive Albany Auckland T (09)447 3918 sales@craftstone.co.nz www.craftstone.co.nz — Advertising Feature

COME AND VISIT US FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION TO SEE HOW WE CAN BE OF SERVICE TO YOU. Accounting North Ltd Ph: 414-1288 | E: info@accountingnorth.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 55

Property & Construction | Stainless Kitchens

Creating cool kitchens Stainless Kitchens has been producing foodgrade stainless steel commercial kitchens and other metalwork products for 33 years and is recognised as a leader in its field.

The Onehunga-based company is a specialist stainless steel and metalwork fabricator providing finished products, design and site installation services. It operates within the food service, hospitality, institutional, medical and retail markets both throughout New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Stainless Kitchens can provide a full range of products to meet any hospitality or food service requirement. It has the capacity, experience and flexibility to successfully complete a wide range of contracts.

General manager Tim Crabtree says Stainless Kitchens works for both shop fitters and joinery companies, as well as directly for large construction companies.

Commercial kitchens Stainless Kitchens has a long-standing reputation for delivering exceptional fabrication results in commercial kitchens and bars.

The company has the ability to produce all metalwork required within commercial kitchens, including extraction canopies designed and built to meet all ventilation requirements. Halton Hoods and Halton alternatives are available, along with AON Ozone and UV systems.

Stainless Kitchens manufactures a range of custom Bain Maries with under-bench hot cupboards, or cooling Bain Maries paired with under-bench refrigeration or shelving for both front and back of house.

The company also fabricates customised bar and coffee stations for commercial use either indoors or out.

P P P.P.S. Industries Limited S METAL FINISHING SPECIALISTS ABRASIVES-POLISHING-PLATING-ENGINEERING SUPPLIES

Additional stainless fabrication While commercial kitchens have been the core market for Stainless Kitchens since its formation, the company manufactures a range of other products for the wider commercial market.

The company has done a lot of work for laboratory and medical facilities, which are required to comply with stringent safety standards surrounding high risk pathogens, substance handling and disposal.

These products include benching, scrub sinks, safe disposal sluice sinks and other highquality medical and laboratory components.

Tim says Stainless Kitchens has recently completed two large projects at Middlemore Hospital working with Watts and Hughes Construction and Hawkins Construction Stainless Kitchens also fabricates sleek and stylish architecturally designed stainless steel hand rails and wall protection components.

Working throughout New Zealand Stainless Kitchens has recently opened a branch in Christchurch and is well positioned to get involved with the city’s rebuild.

It works throughout the country with its partners on franchises such as Pita Pit, KFC, Carls Jnr and The Coffee Club. Tim says the new Christchurch branch allows the company to offer a higher level of support to those businesses.

A total service from design to installation Stainless Kitchens offers a turnkey service from initial design and measure through to installation.

The company’s expert staff work alongside clients throughout the process, ensuring customers are kept informed through every step. “That’s a significant point of difference that people like about us,” general manager Tim Crabtree says.

“It reduces the possibility of error and provides a total solution, which means our clients don‘t have to worry about dealing with a whole lot of different parties.”

Stainless Kitchens is a specialist in: • Commercial kitchens and bars • Extraction canopies • Custom hot cupboards, bain maries and refrigeration displays • Mobile bar and coffee stations • Commercial laboratories • Domestic kitchens • Handrails and wall protection • Full installation and site measure service.

PPS Industries are proud to be associated with Stainless Kitchens.

FREEPHONE 0800

657 894

FREEFAX

0800 454 445

AUCKLAND - HAMILTON - TAURANGA - HASTINGS PALMERSTON NORTH - NELSON - CHRISTCHURCH - DUNEDIN

www.stainlesskitchens.co.nz Phone: (09) 636 9763 Phone: (09) 348 1190

Auckland Christchurch

- Cabinets - Bench Tops - Integrated Sinks - Pizza Ovens - Outdoors Entertinment Areas - Shelving, Racks and Wall Lining - Extraction Hoods - Trolleys

Stainless Kitchens offers a wide range of stainless steel finishes to suit your decorative style from textured finishes to more traditional non-porous flat finishes.

56 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property & Construction | Stainless Kitchens Domestic kitchens in demand As stainless steel kitchens become increasingly popular in residential homes, Stainless Kitchens Limited is diversifying and growing to meet the changing domestic market. The company has been manufacturing high-quality commercial stainless steel products since it was established in 1980, but is now increasing its focus on the residential market.

Tim Crabtree says stainless steel is no longer seen as an option solely for commercial kitchens. “A big part of our work in our new Christchurch operation is domestic kitchens,” he says.

“We want to grow our involvement in the Auckland domestic stainless market as well because the desire to use stainless steel for domestic kitchens has increased. It’s become more functional and the price of stainless has dropped steadily over the last two years and it’s now very comparably priced with a laminex bench.”

There is a significant growth in the amount of stainless steel going into high-end housing and apartments, and Stainless Kitchens has taken on a fulltime sales rep in Auckland to develop the domestic market.

Huge variety in stainless options

Growth and success Stainless Kitchens is working to grow its market share both within New Zealand and across the Tasman.

While the New Zealand general engineering market has been depressed for several years, Stainless Kitchens has survived through being adaptable.

“The commercial market in New Zealand is one of the toughest markets in the world. We’re quite fortunate because we’re diverse and are a custom manufacturer. We do a lot of work for schools, the food service industry, technology, oral health and the medical profession.”

Stainless Kitchens places a huge emphasis on quality and is involved with AsureQuality, which provides food safety and biosecurity services to the food and primary production sectors.

“We’re building a new laboratory for them in Christchurch and we’re upgrading their Auckland facility in Boundary Road,” Tim says.

“We’re also branching into the Australian market. We have done some work offshore in the Islands but this is the first time we’ve looked at exporting into Australia. We’re about 20 percent cheaper than Australian companies.”

Residential customers are quickly realising the practical and aesthetic benefits of choosing stainless steel.

Stainless Kitchens is also looking to grow its product range and client base within New Zealand.

“We have about a thousand different finishes, colours and textures that are available in stainless steel. We’re doing a lot of linen-finish benches and we’re starting to see architects working with stainless steel as a durable solution,” Tim says.

Stainless Kitchens has completed many successful projects in recent years, including:

“Laminex can be scratched, which allows contaminates to get in, but stainless can be cleaned up. There has been a stigma with stainless steel in the past but that’s changing.

Plus, stainless looks expensive but it’s cheaper than high-end laminates.”

Stainless Kitchens did this back-of-house kitchen including hoods, wall linings, fixed and free-standing benching

• Event stadiums such as Eden Park • Hospitals • Five star hotels • Taverns and bars • Company cafeterias • Supermarkets • Schools • Rest homes

Stainless Kitchens Limited PO Box 13 334 Onehunga Auckland T (09) 636 9763 E sales@stainlesskitchens.co.nz www.stainlesskitchens.co.nz

• Prisons • Shop fit-outs • Residential • Balustrading and handrailing.

— Advertising Feature

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 57

Property & Construction | Scot Thrust

A quarter century

of drilling expertise

Celebrating 25 years, Scot Thrust Ltd was established as an underground thrusting company.

And like all successful businesses, it has adapted and evolved. During the years directional drilling machines, excavators and trucks have been added to the fleet, allowing Scot Thrust to encapsulate all facets of civil and drainage works.

Founded in 1988 by Donald Mackintosh, the family owned business aims to deliver a professional and cost effective service.

Underground drilling involves much more than making a hole in the ground. It entails integration of complex technologies and must be performed in a way that protects the geologic formation and the surface environment.

Andrew is firmly backed by the multiexperienced financial/office manager Jackie van der Riet – Jackie is integral to Scot Thrust both operationally and projectised. Andrew also has the firm backing of Joe George who proudly manages our civil and drilling business, Joe holds (2012) NZQA Construction Works Supervision – Level 4.

This is where the expertise of Scot Thrust Ltd comes in.

In 1999 a six man qualified electrical linesman team was added for the company to carry out overhead and underground installation work.

In 2001 a traffic management division, managed

by Tom Oxborough was added, enabling the company to provide all-encompassing services, from applying for road opening notices (corridor access requests) and traffic management plans to traffic management services.

Scot Thrust also added 1,500 plus safety barricades for hire which are simple to handle and transport for civil construction companies.

In 2002, Andrew Coombes joined Scot Thrust Ltd as general manager. With a Master of Project Management degree, he brought with him extensive knowledge of management systems.

Coombes offers experience and knowledge in the areas of electricity (distribution), civil construction, directional drilling, safety, quality, environmental and resource management. He is also firmly

backed by the multi-experienced financial /office manager Jackie van der Riet.

happen, but might not necessarily flow through the company well.”

Credited as an experienced leader and results-oriented project manager, Coombes has managed projects with value in excess of $15 million and co-ordinated up to 60 people on projects where both margins and timeframes are tight and excellence a prerequisite for success.

As a point of difference Scot Thrust has concentrated during the past few years on being a ‘zero strike’ company and to this point the business has achieved its goal. Coombes explains that Scot Thrust Ltd has a fantastic bunch of people working on projects in the field.

“As a manager it is important to remain grounded and for people who work for you to understand why they come to work and have a feeling of self and community worth,” he says.

“Over time, with a combination of in-house and out of house training, our people are at the top of their areas of expertise. As manager, I am very proud of our team environment – it has been and will continue to be key to our success!

Scot Thrust plans to be around for another 25 years, remaining a diverse company by delivering a quality service. “The plan is to continue doing what we do well, embrace new business and continuing to improve all areas of our business.

“A key improvement focus for 2013 has been weekly safety company meetings, whereby everyone contributes with differing topics each week. The meetings have been received extremely well and are treated as a form of in-house training for business functions that

Scot Thrust Ltd 41-51 Hillside Road Glenfield North Shore, Auckland T (09) 444 5047 E andrew@scotthrust.co.nz E jackie@scotthrust.co.nz www.scotthrust.co.nz — Advertising Feature

WE CONGRATULATE SCOT THRUST ON THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY

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Drilling Ltd • Water Main Spec • Cables to house connections 15a The Strand Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Email: troymcasey@icloud.com

Phone: 021 782 337 58 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

YOU CAN’T BEAT THE SYSTEM. As the only specialised underground construction equipment supplier in New Zealand, Ditch Witch New Zealand offers huge benefits to its customers, says general manager John Grant.

“Our customers can access all of the drilling equipment and components required for their job sites from one supplier, and deal with our experienced team who talk about drilling and trenches day in and day out.”

Grant says the main advantage of Ditch Witch’s broad range of products is that everything has been designed and built by the company to integrate and work together - allowing customers to get the best out of their machines. In New Zealand, he says directional drill sales currently make up around 70 percent of the market. “There is a huge push into directional drills due to the growing preference for trenchless techniques as opposed to open cut trenching.”

In addition to trenchers and directional drills, Ditch Witch NZ offers a wide range of Vibrating plows, vacuum excavation units, skid steers, tool carriers and electronic loading or guidance equipment. It is also an authorised distributor for the market leading Bariod Drilling Fluids And DCD Installation Tooling.

Since 2010 it has carried the HammerHead range of pipe bursting equipment, pipe ramming equipment, piercing tools, and downhole tools, following the acquisition of HammerHead by parent company CMW. Grant says there is growing demand for Vacuum Excavation systems across the country. The Vacuum Excavators are proving popular for pot holing and soft excavation providing a safe solution when excavating around existing services, they are relatively non-invasive and provide less chance of damaging services. The advantage with Ditch Witch systems is the ability to easily select component layout to ensure all weight and compliance issues are considered when fitting these units to trucks, grant points out ‘that DWNZ now offer a full sub-frame and fitting option for the FX Vacuum Excavators which provides a cost effective and NZ designed installation method to both cab and chassis and flat deck trucks.

HammerHead Pipe Bursters are providing low cost noninvasive alternative methods for rehabilitation of worn or faulty utilities, the trenchless methodology not only offers reduced reinstatement costs but also offers solutions for getting under and around existing structures such as roads, houses etc. Grant comments that ”with the full trenchless range from HammerHead offering Piercing Tools, Static and Pneumatic Bursters and ramming systems we have all your options covered”.

In addition to Ditch Witch New Zealand’s warehouse and workshop in Auckland, the company has service centres around the country that provide backup support, service and parts. “Considering most of our customers use daily consumables and tooling, customer support is paramount and something we take extremely seriously.”

He says customers can also phone the company’s 0800 number and speak directly to its parts manager Barry who has “extensive knowledge of the products and their applications”.

No other company offers such an easy-to-use system for horizontal directional drilling.

The complete package. Directional drills. Trackers. Fluid management systems. All designed to work together to simplify drilling and backreaming through some of the toughest conditions. For details, see your nearest dealer or visit ditchwitch.com Ditch Witch New Zealand | 0800 396 9583 | www.ditchwitchnz.com www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 59

Property & Construction | Box Living

A new concept in home design Box Living is making architecturally designed homes affordable, while creating modern, spacious houses for home owners who want something a bit different.

Box offers a new idea in homes for New Zealanders who aren’t happy with the alternatives – architecturally designed homes that aren’t affordable for the vast majority of people, or houses built by building companies that lack design and originality.

Box Living was formed in 2011 by a multidisciplinary team of architects, builders and project managers.

“It’s a collaborative effort,” general manager Dan Heyworth says. “Because houses are so complex, that’s the way they should be designed. They need that multi-disciplinary approach which historically hasn’t happened.”

Box Living sits between architectural homes and building companies. “We’re a hybrid of the two and our focus is on quality of space, not quantity of space,” Dan says.

“We’re highly influenced by the modernist period of architecture, which has proved to be pretty timeless.”

Affordable architectural homes Dan and fellow directors Tim Dorrington, Nat Holloway and Nat Jakich weren’t happy with the direction the building industry was taking.

“We were frustrated by the way architectural projects were always going over budget, were difficult to cost and difficult to schedule. They were all bespoke one-off homes but architects only designed for the five percent of people with deep pockets,” Dan says.

“Architects have a lot more to offer than that.

They could be involved in the 95 percent but need to work closer with builders and architects and create individual products or building systems they can replicate in an efficient and affordable manner.”

The Box building system Box Living has developed a modular building system that makes it easy to give customers a unique home, with certainty of cost.

The company is passionate about mid-century modern design and love its light open spaces, and clean elegant structure.

Its houses might be smaller than other design and build companies in terms of overall footprint, but not through compromising on the quality or functionality of any of the spaces. Box Living doesn’t believe in designing large, inefficient spaces so the cost per square metre rate looks attractive. It works hard to ensure the end product works well for every client’s budget.

Box Living has developed a modular building system bursting with great features.

The company has spent many years perfecting the thinking and design behind the Box system. As a result, its architectural fees are up to 75 percent lower than those of a traditional architect.

The Box system enables Box Living to cost every project accurately in the early stages, so clients can enjoy peace of mind through the process.

Box is conscious of its environmental impact and is Carbon Zero certified. Its modular housing system means less waste, while the company is also well versed in solar water heating, solar power, water collection and reticulation, wastewater treatment and greywater re-use.

Dan says the Box system is also perfect for commercial use or as two-story mixed use retail/office space.

The company is currently launching its new Box Nano product, a 10sqm building that doesn’t require a building consent and is ideal for use as an office, shed, sleepout or sauna.

Box Favourites and Box Custom

For All Your Building Requirements

Box Living can offer its Box Favourite classic and modern designs or can custom design a house to suit your unique requirements.

Box Living offers stylish architectural homes without the high price tag.

Box Favourites’ classic and modern designs are almost identical inside, but have their own aesthetic and structural features.

Even though the plans come pre-designed, clients still benefit from the architect’s input on siting, orientation and configuration.

Meet the friendly team at 106 Cook Street

With a Box Custom design, clients get a bespoke architectural service while utilising the Box system. The end result is an outstanding modernist design - with absolute certainty of cost.

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Box Living 68 France Street Eden Terrace Auckland T (09) 520 5030 Freephone 0800 717 717 www.boxliving.co.nz — Advertising Feature

60 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property & Construction | QPC Builders

Delivering a guaranteed build Building a home can be a stressful experience, so finding a building company that makes the process as painless as possible can make the world of difference.

Instead of having to navigate your way through a painful procession of logistical hurdles, an experienced and professional building company is able to simply take the pain away – making your building experience more like a journey of discovery, rather than something akin to a voyage of the damned.

One such company is QPC Builders Limited which specialises in taking the stress out of your new build, renovation or re-cladding project. QPC Builders is an owner-operated building company that has excelled in a tough economic climate due to its dedication to service, value and excellence.

cladding failures. Although some think it is a terrible thing to find yourself owning one of these homes, we want to assure you it isn’t a nightmare to fix it.

QPC has a re-clad division specialising solely on re-clads to water-damaged homes. It works closely with watertight experts that specialise in watertight government claims and also with owners who are just fed up with the stigma of a plaster houses. When re-cladding your home it is also a great chance to put in new modern joinery and renovate the inside, transforming your home and lifting the market value.

To see some before and after shots check out the re-clad section on the website www.qpcbuilders.co.nz

Wide range of building services QPC Builders has specific teams set up that specialise in the different areas below, meaning you are getting the very best team for your job.

Renovations QPC Builders understands that renovating your home is one of the biggest investments you will make. You want to make sure it is done right and that the process is as pain free as possible.

QPC can provide you with full Master Builders’ guarantees for all its work, so you can be assured that your home is in safe hands.

“We work closely with local designers and our own draftsman to provide you with the full concept through to completion. We can take your ideas and vision and put them on paper along with a full no surprises fixed price. This takes the hassle out of dealing with a number of different sub trades and designers.”

Re-cladding In New Zealand many homes built in the past 20 years suffer from watertight issues and

New builds The Auckland-based business works with its own quantity surveyors and architects to offer a full design/build package on all new home projects, from a cost effective investment property to your dream home.

The team also works closely with clients’ architects if they already have a plan or a concept in mind. QPC Builders provides a comprehensive fixed price quote and a full timeline of the build, which will be managed by one of its highly skilled project managers. QPC has completed a wide range of design and build homes around the greater Auckland area most of which are showcased on their website.

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The team at QPC Builders is made up of project managers, site foremen, builders and quantity surveyors. The company also has a great network of reliable and honest subcontractors and other tradespeople available for every job.

QPC Builders believes in pricing its projects with total transparency on all costs and will provide a full quantity surveyor’s breakdown of the project.

What sets the company apart from others is its project management, which keeps clients up to date with any changes and takes away any unnecessary stress from the project.

During the past eight years QPC has built a brand that people have come to know and trust due to its highly skilled and motivated staff, as well as great relationships with other trades and subcontractors.

Proud to be associated with QPC Builders 30A Noel Burnside Road, Wiri, Auckland PO Box 97778 Manukau City, 2241 Ph: 09 279 9542 Fax: 09 279 9210 Manufacturers of Vantage Aluminium Joinery

QPC is always looking for hardworking and motivated qualified builders so if this sounds like a team you want to be part of get in touch with them today.

QPC Builders Limited Freephone 0800 772 266 M 027 536 2494 www.qpcbuilders.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Unit 3, 65 Ellice Road, Glenfield, Auckland 0629 p. 09 444 2620 | f 09 444 2621 e. info@ritelineroofing.co.nz | www.ritelineroofing.co.nz

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 61

Property & Construction | EnviroSpec

Getting the right information about going green Could green homes become the norm?

According to Alex Reiche, director and senior consultant at EnviroSpec Ltd, the answer is a resounding yes.

It’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when says Alex, who has been working in the industry for more than a decade in the UK and New Zealand.

“Building a greener home, townhouse or block of apartments isn’t difficult and we can’t be seen to be going backwards. You only need to take a short trip overseas to realise that legislation to help drive the performance of homes and buildings is only just around the corner,” he says.

“Developers who are willing to take the lead now and demonstrate success will be securing themselves a worthwhile portfolio and a bright financial future.”

UILT NZ

E IN NZ MAD

TH

AT B

Tough like us.

BU

ILD IN

U G PR O D

CT

S

Made for New Zealand.

A timeless look that endures.

Alex has worked closely alongside the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) since 2007. A fully qualified Green Star NZ Accredited Professional and Homestar Assessor, Alex is now working towards becoming a NABERS NZ assessor, ensuring he can provide the full suite of services to both the commercial and residential building sector.

“If you’re a residential developer, then Homestar is the place you want to look.”

This national rating programme run by the NZGBC, awards an official certificate on the dwelling’s environmental performance from a scale of one to 10 and according to Alex, is going to be the biggest change in the New Zealand residential housing sector during the next five to 10 years.

Once you have got your design options worked out, the next big step is to ensure you specify products and materials that will give you the points you need to obtain a good certification score.

Homestar has very detailed product requirements, based on performance attributes and approved environmental certification programmes.

“We play a pivotal role acting as an independent third party link between the specifiers and the product suppliers. The (EnviroSpec) website allows you to quickly and easily compare products in terms of their environmental performance and contribution potential towards your green building rating.

“The website is a great time saver, allowing for a faster, better decision making process while avoiding potential risks associated with greenwash. We are also looking to produce and publish what we call the Quicklist, which will be available for download from the website in the coming months and will provide a summary of the best products on the website in a convenient catalogue format that you can consult at any time.”

Sourcing your products from the EnviroSpec website or Quicklist provides the reassurance that the product claims have been independently verified and you are making the right choice.

The key lesson learnt is that to do well, you need to have someone on board who is experienced in this whole certification process.

“It’s like sitting a maths exam and having EnviroSpec by your side is like knowing the questions in advance, giving you plenty of time to work out the answers before examination date.

“Our contact details are on the website and we are happy to talk with anyone who is looking to gain more information in this regard, so feel free to call anytime or send me an email.”

“It is fantastic to see that Homestar has been included in the Auckland draft unitary plan and key organisations are starting to use it as a means of driving improvement in the building industry.”

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62 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Buyers and sellers can also use this framework to assign a monetary value to the performance features of a home such as a warm, dry, healthy indoor space that results in lower electricity and water bills, meaning those who can design and build a higher star rated home should be able to sell it for more money than its lower rated counterparts.

“EnviroSpec aims to work closely with developers, architects and homeowners to ensure they can achieve this positive outcome as easily and cost effectively as possible.” Alex is clear that the key to success is to engage a Homestar assesor such as EnvironSpec, early on in the process. Before or during concept design is the optimum time, making it easier and more cost effective to achieve the best performance outcome within your budget expectations.

EnviroSpec Level 3 Old Sofrana House 18 Customs Street East Britomart Auckland T (09) 889 2190 E contact@envirospec.co.nz www.envirospec.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Property & Construction | Total Property Worx

Property maintenance delivered with peace of mind Total Property Worx (TPW) is building a brand based on the knowledge of three driven, but distinctly different members of the rapidly expanding company.

The combination of skill sets that come from hands-on experience with a business focused drive is moving the TPW team into a strong position in a market that urgently requires its services.

Total Property Worx is a genuine multi-trade company specialising in waterproofing, plumbing and interior office fit-outs.

It all started when Craig MacLugash’s life took an unexpected turn in 2009 when he had an accident and found himself on ACC, but the fire remained in his belly as he denied

doctors’ opinions that he would never work as an electrician again.

Strong moral foundations

In the face of adversity, with a new mortgage and second child, no job and the onset of the recession bearing down, he took the first steps in what was to be a journey of hard work and determination. Well as they say pressure makes diamonds.

TPW prides itself on three key values; honesty, integrity and a strong work ethic.

With its reputation on the line, TPW decided to employ, rather than sub-contract (with the exception of a few highly trusted sub-contractors), to ensure the integrity and appearance of the company remained untarnished by workers outside of the brand.

With the help of builder friend Lyall Kainamu, TPW was founded and six months later Paul Southam joined the two tradesmen to drive the sales and business aspects of the company.

In only its second year TPW quadrupled turnover and in the third year tripled turnover; the product of hard work, a diverse selection of services and above all, a commitment to their clients’ needs.

“As a team we complement each other, we work to each other’s strengths to make Total Property Worx, work. We all work for a common goal; the dynamic between us is very strong which ultimately helps the company and our clients,” Craig says.

“Our brand reputation is important for us, our employees respect the brand and we like to uphold our promises, barring a few sub-contractors that we really trust, you just can’t get that level of respect by using other work-forces,” Craig says.

The distinctive red and black identity must have been a precursor to the company’s move into Crusader territory. The TPW Christchurch branch, based in New Brighton, is another string to the bow of the commercial and industrial maintenance and repair specialists.

Adding strings to its bow appears to be a hobby for the Onehunga-based outfit which also operates a dedicated line marking division that operates as its own entity under the wide-reaching TPW umbrella.

“Line Marking Solutions offers our existing clients, who quite often need car parks and safety markings on their properties, the ability to utilise our services instead of looking elsewhere for someone to do the job.

“It also attracts new customers who can utilise all the services we offer.”

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64 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

• Office fit-outs.

Along with the obvious Auckland market for repairing and maintaining leaky roofs, plumbing, building and electrical issues, TPW provides the full office fit-out and renovation service, priding itself on meeting clients’ needs through the provision of highly skilled, specialist tradespeople. TPW has successfully completed a large number of fit-outs and maintains properties for a number of high profile New Zealand companies.

The entire ecosystem of the company has been set up from scratch - from administration and computer systems in the office based environment to the on-site appearance of the work force, which includes branded work wear and eye catching vehicles.

“Total Property Worx is very professional - it’s all about brand awareness. It’s important that we look as professional as we are – people recognise and appreciate both.”

As the TPW brand expands, be sure to look out for the distinctive white trucks, the red black and white logo and the unmistakable commitment they bring to each and every job.

Total Property Worx 312 Neilson Street Onehunga,Auckland T (09) 580 1342 E paul@tpw.co.nz www.tpw.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Engineering & Manufacturing | E.G Whiter

Carving its mark More than 50 years ago a one-man band set up shop in an old carpenter’s shed. Today E.G. Whiter Ltd has morphed into a multimillion dollar business known as one of New Zealand’s largest precision tool and die manufacturers.

Its specialty, making plastic injection moulds; the kind companies use to create the thin wall plastic containers used to house anything from healthy yoghurt to your delicious Chinese takeaway.

Owner, Neil Goodman, says the Auckland-based company’s longevity and reputation can be attributed to the fact that it’s a “versatile, onestop shop” for all aspects of tool and die manufacturing.

Carving its niche “Our collaborative approach gives companies the time to focus on what they need,” he says.

“We use the latest technology to service the industry’s needs.

“Half of our clients are other tool makers.

We’re essentially providing a ready resource for their tooling requirements. Instead of them having to begin machining blocks of raw steel in preparation for detailed machining, they are able to begin with precisely machined ‘blanks’,” Neil says “It is more economical for them to buy our mass produced mould sets. We also supply mould sets with all the machining completed, including waterways, insert pockets, sliding blocks running and blanked off, ready for the core and cavity inserts to be fitted.

“Our primary aim is to use our company’s capability, capacity and extensive expertise to strengthen its position as a leader in its field.”

It was a tough task, requiring an incredible amount of very detailed machining that few shops had the equipment or the gall to take on board. But true to form, Glynn didn’t let this stop him.

His solution? A dentist’s cutting tool and many, many hours of painstaking manual machining.

The hard work eventually paid off and today E.G. Whiter Ltd is well known as a company that is able to solve all the awkward jobs no one else wants to do. It produces a range of moulds and In the beginning metal stamping tools for all sorts of products, Its 50 years of experience in manufacturing high such as light fixtures, spa pool filters, food containers, bottle moulds, caps and closures, precision quality tooling and mould sets for a seed trays, domestic appliances, automotive diverse range of products, combined with its current top-quality modern production facilities wheel trims, light lenses and electronic equipment – to name but a few. has certainly made E.G. Whiter a tough player to beat.

It is this determination, to get any job done well, which has helped drive E.G. Whiter Ltd to Its long history traces back to the 1950s when success. Today it continues to strive to service the original owner Glynn Whiter set up shop in his dad’s carpenter’s shed. While it was certainly the needs of all its customers, both at home not all smooth sailing, with a little bit of skill and and abroad. a lot of perseverance he managed to get E.G. Whiter Ltd successfully off the ground.

The first big break came in the mid 50s when Glynn secured a job creating the tools for a series of matchbox cars for, what was at that time, one of New Zealand’s largest toy manufacturers.

E.G. Whiter Ltd 54-56 Huia Road Otahuhu Auckland T (09) 276 7758 E info@egwhiter.co.nz www.egwhiter.co.nz

E.G. Whiter Ltd promises: • To continue to dedicate itself to preserving and enhancing its reputation for excellence • To use its precision engineering skills to the benefit of its customers • To be aware of its clients needs • To remain at the leading edge of technology • To retain well-trained and skilled people to support its operations • To continue to seek new markets and new opportunities wherever they may be • To meet the changing needs of its customers now and in the future.

Product range Plastic injection moulds

— Advertising Feature

Making highly complex plastic injection moulds from blocks of “raw” steel for automotive and domestic products requires precision engineering at its best.

Standard mould sets E.G. Whiter mould sets have established new standards of excellence and are used throughout New Zealand and Australia.

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In addition to tool-making operations E.G. Whiter is an agent for nitrided and un-nitrided ejector pins, ejector blades and ejector sleeves and all other mould components. It keeps and delivers more than 300 different sized ejector pins in both metric and imperial sizes in stock ready to ship to customers around New Zealand.

Proudly supporting E.G. Whiter Ltd

WELDING & FABRICATION ENGINEERS PLATE C U TTIN G SPEC IA LISTS Phone. (09) 6342479 Fax. (09) 6341356 Email. moweld@clear.net.nz www.mobilewelding.co.nz 6 Malvern Road, Onehunga, Auckland.1061

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 65

Business Development | Conferences Seminars and Training

The beginner’s guide to delivering a good event We have all been to events that have left a good impression on us and others that have not lived up to our expectations, but have you ever stopped to think about what makes one event better than another?

In most cases it comes back to the level of planning leading up to the event and how well the event organiser has matched the event components with the event attendees’ needs.

attend, possible venues, catering options, theming and entertainment options and possible revenue streams to meet your financial objectives.

But there is so much more to this than just providing some nice food and an adequate number of portaloos!

Deliver a good event in three easy steps

Step 2 - planning tools Once you have your event concept identified you need to utilise some key planning tools to ensure that your event is delivered on time and within budget. Useful planning tools include a critical path, a budget and a marketing plan.

Step 1 – event concept development Before you can begin planning your event you need to have a clear understand of the purpose of the event, who you want to

Step 3 - event and project management This is the execution stage of planning that turns an intangible vision into a tangible reality.

The event management components required will vary depending on the event, but here are some common elements that need to be considered:

• Sponsorship and exhibitor support

• Venue selection and liaison

• Professional management at the event to oversee all components and co-ordinate suppliers to ensure a smooth event delivery.

• Programme development • Food and beverage selection • Service style • Entertainment selection and management • Audiovisual requirements • Guest speakers and VIP management • Theme and décor • Transport and accommodation requirements for attendees and guests • Implementing the marketing plan

• Registration management • Budget management

Engaging the services of a professional event management company will not only ensure that your event objectives are achieved, it will also enable event components to be perfectly matched with attendees needs thus resulting in a memorable event for all.

Article written by Karen Hamilton, managing director of 360 Degree Events.

When it all hits the fan

By Janet Wilson

American investor Warren Buffet once said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”

Southern Cross Hamilton Ten minute walk from the CBD, the Comfort Inn Southern Cross can make your meeting and conference experience comfortable and productive.

We have two stunning ground floor conference rooms with natural light.

With flexible catering options, and modern equipment, you can be assured that we are the perfect location for your next staff training session, planning meeting or conference.

Our rooms will hold up to 85 people theatre style, but can be styled to suit your needs.

AV, Wifi, whiteboard, flipcharts available.

Morning and afternoon tea, and light lunches prepared on site.

Tell us what you need.

Get in touch, and let us help you organise your day.

Stay on site in one of our newly refurbished rooms.

Talk to us about group booking rates

Comfort Inn Southern Cross Hamilton Address. 222 Ulster Street, Hamilton Phone. 0800 888 983 | Email. res@comfortinnhamilton.co.nz http://conference.comfortinnhamilton.co.nz/

66 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

It pretty much sums up why you should worry about the mainstream media, especially in a crisis. They can destroy your business and your reputation if you don’t react positively to a situation requiring clear thinking and action the basic tenants of crisis management.

Put simply, a crisis is an imminent risk of the public exposure of damaging facts. One of the hardest steps is recognising you are in, or are about to enter a crisis.

Essentially it’s always better to go to battle stations and prepare for the worst. Being Chicken Little is better than being a dead duck.

Unless you are in serious danger of some major legal liability you need to clearly state your position publicly. If you do not define your own position, your opponents will do it for you.

In a crisis this will give you a “first mover advantage”. If you know something is about to blow that is damaging, blow it yourself, apologise, admit the mistake and let the public know what action you are taking to resolve the situation. This pre-emptive action can rob your critics of traction in a crisis.

How you deal with reporters when a story first breaks has considerable impact on how you will look subsequently.

Be polite, helpful and as open as you can be.

Stay human, be genuine, display appropriate concern and let the world know how you’ll fix the problem.

And, finally, don’t be afraid to call for help.

There are plenty of PR companies that are skilled in crisis media management. And while you may already have inside public relations or communications staff, too often they are caught up in the moment. Outside professionals can think more objectively and help resolve the situation.

Janet Wilson is a former journalist who now runs her own media training and crisis communication company, Deadline Ltd, with her husband Bill Ralston.

Business Development | Conferences Seminars and Training

Getting to grips with leadership - Fortune’s Thomas Stewart

“The truth is that no one factor makes a company admirable; but if you were forced to pick the one that makes the most difference, you’d pick leadership.”

We know that • Companies with BAD products but GOOD leaders tend to become SUCCESSFUL. Alternately: • Most companies with GREAT products but POOR leadership tend to FAIL. Globalisation means the entire world is a competitor. The fast pace of technological change means organisations must keep innovating and learning, or they will die. It’s also hard to keep a competitive advantage a secret these days, so again, it’s astounding that so many companies can’t figure out how to develop leaders by replicating the best practices from those that do.

Research shows that in today’s highly competitive environment many businesses are in crisis. Consumer confidence is plummeting.

Leaders are failing. In fact, more than 40 percent Why would companies ignore such a no-brainer of new leaders fail within their first 18 months.

Many companies however, are also failing their opportunity to kick the competition’s proverbial rear, it appears to boil down to two reasons: leaders as they continue to invest in a broken training model.

You would think that given the rock solid evidence that organisations with great leadership consistently outperform those that don’t, then every organisation would be heavily invested in the development of its current and future leaders.

However, most are not. And even if they say they are, when you look behind the curtain, it’s mostly lip service.

In essence the average individual spends several thousand dollars to make themselves look good, smell good and get to work, (granted, it does make working with you nicer), but little by comparison is being spent on the “inside their head” so that when they arrive at work they know what they should be doing.

2. They don’t know how to do it.

For some reason, organisations seem to think they have to start with a clean sheet of paper and create everything from scratch, as if they were the first and only company that had to figure out how to develop their leaders.

3eLeader is a New Zealand based leadership development company from Hamilton run by Aiden Holliday and Brenton Bai, who operate from a new paradigm; they’ve introduced a model of training that stands in stark contrast to the classroom grind in which most off the shelf products lurk.

Theirs is a model in which leaders are engaged and introduced to a grafting concept in which learning converts to application during the training experience - a concept that is growing both in popularity and in success.

There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Frankly, it’s a waste of time and money! Do your homework and get some help.

Help is at hand

1. Their priorities are mixed up Let’s get some perspective. The average individual invests several hundred dollars per year on the “outside of their head” to improve appearances – haircuts, shaving cream, perfume, makeup and clothes. The same average individual spends several thousand dollars on a car, plus $20 to $30 per week to get them to and from work.

3eleader.com

One of the training companies that are hitting the leadership ball out of the park is 3eLeader.

What the company is doing is challenging the dinosaur approach to training leaders in high velocity environments. It is no wonder that companies like Fonterra, leading national health organisations and a litany of other clients are requesting the company’s services.

effective leadership development

New Zealand’s most transformative leadership call us now 021 525 199

Transformation begins immediately and lasts indefinately

Training today’s leaders for today’s business world Firstly we need to adjust our priorities Let’s get some perspective. The average individual invests several hundred dollars per year on the “outside of their head” to improve appearances – haircuts, shaving cream, perfume, makeup and clothes.

One of the training companies that is hitting the leadership ball out of the park is 3eLeader, by challenging the dinosaur approach to training and specialising in training leaders in high velocity environments.

Aiden Holliday and Brenton Bai, who operate from a new paradigm and have introduced a model of training that stands in stark contrast to the classroom grind in which most “off the shelf” products lurk.

The same average individual spends several thousand dollars on a car, plus $20-$30 per week to get them to and from work. But little by comparison is being spent on what’s “inside their head” so that when they arrive at work they know what they should be doing.

It is no wonder that companies like Fonterra, leading national health organisations and a litany of other clients are requesting their services.

Their’s is a model in which leaders are engaged and introduced to a “grafting concept” in which “learning” converts to “application” during the training experience, a concept that is growing both in popularity and in success.

3eLeader is a New Zealand based leadership development company from Hamilton, run by

“The truth is that no one factor makes a company admirable; but if you were forced to pick the one that makes the most difference, you’d pick leadership.”

- Fortune’s Thomas Stewart

Call us now: 021 525 199 Email: contact@3eleader.com

3eleader.com

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 67

Business Development | Conferences Seminars and Training

Convention centres to help drive the economy New Zealand could have three new convention centres up and running by 2019, with a total capacity increase of about 6,000 delegates.

Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) chief executive Alan Trotter, speaking at the opening of Meetings 2013 in Auckland, said the increased capacity would create new opportunities for marketing New Zealand as a business event destination.

“The new convention centres will also drive greater hotel investment and benefit the wider tourism industry.”

Alan says the huge increase in delegate capacity will create challenges and opportunities, in terms of filling the convention centres and making them sustainable.

“Lead times are anything between three and seven years, so 2019 sounds a long time but, in terms of how the market works, it’s not.

“As soon as these projects are confirmed the industry needs to get out marketing because theyneed to be full and they need to hit the ground running.”

Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) chief executive Brett O’Reilly confirmed a high degree of confidence from investors in Auckland as a result of the international convention centre announcement.

“Four new hotel developments are planned in the next three years and we expect to see several more,” he says. “There are several other spin-offs of convention activity. One is (delegate) spend, which is anywhere between three and five times that of the normal international visitor.

“Equally important is seasonality and what kind of visitor can realistically be targeted in the off-season. The answer is conventions; research tells us clearly the busiest month for convention activity in Auckland is August and internationally September.”

Delegates are not going to come from Europe down to Auckland just for a three night conference, he says. “They’re going to stay here for a week or more, bring family and visit other parts of New Zealand, so it’s really win win.”

That connection and injection of knowledge is just fantastic.”

Meetings 2013, the biggest business tourism industry expo in New Zealand history, showcased New Zealand’s multimillion dollar business tourism industry to 185 hosted buyers from Australia, China, South East Asia and North America and 400 local day buyers. A record 180 suppliers took part in the two day exhibition.

Alan says the other benefit of convention activity is the knowledge transfer that accrues to a country hosting a major scientific, legal or medical convention. “You’re getting the best brains in the world coming to your country engaging with your own scientists or doctors.

Conferences that connect Creating effective conferences involves a combination of content, creativity, co-ordination and collaboration. So here are three key elements to help keep things simple and engaging for attendees.

Set objectives

Engage the audience

Design the conference based on the needs of participants and ensure the content is supportive of and aligned with the core message or messages. People fear repetition, but don’t ignore the value of re-enforcement.

Keep the audience active, challenged and ensure that they have to take action.

Set the scene before the event

The structure of a conference is alien to the normal working pattern because, during the average working day, people move about, absorb and process information and take action.

Engage the whole team when designing an event and a simple way to do this is to ask people what they want. This will help you formulate a clear picture of what needs to happen to help deliver a more effective event.

At the average conference attendees are relatively static (tricking the brain into believing that they are relaxing), are asked to process one idea at a time and are also asked to simply absorb information without taking immediate action.

If you can - build excitement! It’s easy to forget that, for many people, the conference is not seen as a bonus and for some it can be viewed as a major nuisance. So build association early; send out intriguing clues and get people talking.

So ensure you take care to focus on the physical conditions (chairs, heat, cold, food etc.) to help prevent mental malaise creeping into your event.

Where possible engage a broad number of people in the delivery of the conference. Intrigue them but don’t make it a mystery as people actually resent secrecy.

And whatever you do, keep people as active as you can. The golden rule to keep people engaged is don’t force them to sit and endure death by PowerPoint presentation.

68 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Why it’s important to use a conference organiser

2. Keeps up to date with venues. A change of ownership etc can change the standards of the venues.

Finding and organising a conference that meets your specific requirements can be time consuming and frustrating.

3. Negotiates good rates.

Getting the venue, accommodation and other details right contributes so much to the overall success of your conference. Your conference represents a significant investment by your company and it is so vital to get everything right for you.

5. Honest appraisal. You need no surprises when you get there.

A conference organiser saves you a lot of time and stress by finding the perfect venue for you and assisting in getting all the details together for a great conference.

Here are a few factors to consider when choosing your conference organiser: 1.

Knowledge of venues. We all know we can’t rely on the internet to show us the details that are important to the running of a successful conference.

4. Works within your budget. There is a venue for every budget.

6. Efficient and professional. Communication has to be efficient in order for you to meet your deadlines.

7. Listens to what you want. Each company and conference has different requirements.

8. Incorporates all requirements. Activities, guest speakers, transport etc.

9. Cares. Has a real desire to make your conference a success.

Corporate Venues does all this – and it’s a free service (conditions apply), so call for a no obligation chat: Corporate Venues, 021 165 0355.

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Business Development | Design Environments

The sweet science behind retail design The sweet science of retail and hospitality design can often be linked to a number of variables such as aesthetics, ergonomics, functionality and decoration.

Design Environments takes into account all of the above and combines its 25 years of global experience to produce cost effective retail designs, on time and on budget.

To create the flawless shop layout or an inviting eatery, Auckland based Design Environments implements a number of well tested formulas that are proven to attract the desired foot traffic through any customer’s door.

The retail world is a fast paced, unforgiving environment that requires fluidity of design to merge the prerequisites of appealing stock

ACRYLIC

PRODUCT

SPECIALISTS

uct Promote your prod beyond the pack Proud to be supporting Design Environments for many years Unit J 2/20 Te Pai Pl, Henderson, Auckland 0610 Ph/Fax: (09) 838 8966 info@creativeacrylic.co.nz www.creativeacrylic.co.nz

with relaxed ambience; a thin line to tread that’s not for the inexperienced.

Luckily Design Environments is headed by design director John MacDonald, a man with a lifetime of retail design experience. John’s first encounter with the world of retail design was an after school role he took with one of New Zealand’s leading departmental fit-out chains; The company encompasses all aspects of the foundations were laid early. brand recognition, whether the project John and his team are solely focussed on retail be a fit out for a mall or strip location, a and hospitality fit-outs, they don’t profess to clothing store, café, bar or restaurant. Design be an architectural jack-of-all-trades merely Environments delivers a service that includes dabbling in the area – this is the company’s a cost effective design solution and even designated area of expertise. merchandising, point of purchase design, advertising, promotional activity and As well as being a highly regarded designer, graphic design.

John is also a keen retail observer, tracking both socio-economic influences and An experienced, well oiled team takes the behavioural patterns (and more recently hassle out of the fit-out. Design Environments cultural influences), that impact on the deals with all aspects of the project from existing or emerging customer. compliance stages, council documentation, fire safety requisites, building development These insights allow Design Environments and all the finer details in between. This to tap into the needs and wants of a client’s allows the customer to continue the daily customer base (or potential customer task of running a business, free of the worries base) and harmonise the balance between associated with opening a new premises. consumer experience and the operator’s profitability.

Design Environments’ critique of many retail or hospitality chains has assisted in identifying the reasons potential customers bypass a premises instead of converting to walk-ins.

Creating a strategy enables a company to see its flaws and improve the level of foot traffic entering its store, rather than walking past.

International recognition Design Environments is certainly a well travelled team with global projects spanning Asia, North America, the Middle East and Oceania, and about to include the dynamic retail market of the UK and also Turkey.

Design Environments; globally known and respected in: • New Zealand • Australia • Fiji • China • India • Bahrain • U.A.E. • Kuwait • Saudi Arabia • Malaysia • USA. The continent hopping team has established a strong client base with much of its work emerging from word of mouth or referrals.

Gartshore’s are proud to acknowledge their involvement with Design Environment over the past 24 years.

We wish John and Marion and the Team all the very best.

0800 334 567 | www.gartshore.co.nz | PO Box 9346, Auckland 70 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Business Development | Design Environments The brand coach As a highly regarded designer and retail observer, John MacDonald is continually tracking the behaviour and direction of the emerging consumer. He offers clients extensive brand development experience and the ability to interpret the demands of the customer to create a profitable and harmonising shopping experience.

Avoiding the often intimidating and costly techniques of a typical marketing consultant, Design Environments adopt a role of coach; sharing experiences and proven techniques on the most effective way to utilise a store’s current assets.

By offering a strategy to help clients deliver their brand promise through presentation and service, Design Environments helps bring about a fresh paradigm for shopping.

Creativity and innovation play an essential role in the establishment of a strategy to create or emphasise a unique client identity.

To be successful however, the innovative must be practical, affordable and able to be easily integrated into the retail environment, so consideration of what is achievable is a key element of the brand creation process.

Too often the message to entice the customer to go shopping isn’t delivered in-store, either by the offer, employees or surroundings.

Design Environments can critique an independent store or chain, identify improvements needed and prioritise changes and develop a project scope of works.

Design Environments Suite 2, 506 South Titirangi Road Titirangi Auckland T (09) 280 4382 E info@designenvironments.co.nz www.designenvironments.co.nz

Testimonials “Needing to develop a contemporary shelving system that would present our footwear in a manner that was aesthetically and functionally pleasing, I was introduced to Design Environments.

The system that was devised not only met our requirements for both the New Zealand and International marketplace but did so in a cost effective method for both construction and installation.

“When Kumfs recently rebranded to Ziera, we again asked Design Environments to develop the unique conceptual design into retail reality that would allow seamless transformation of our forty plus shops.

Again, this was advanced in a manner that not only met the rigid deadlines, but also with a creative input that allowed our label to retain much of the original concept, while observing a realistic outlay.”

- Robin Boyce, senior design executive, Ziera Shoes Ltd “Our company has a goal - ‘To change the landscape of how podiatry is done in New Zealand’. The business model that we believe will achieve this is the Clinical/Retail model that is Podium Podiatry and Footwear. John MacDonald and the team at Design Environments were instrumental in making our idea become a reality.

“Their ability to create designs and imagery that showcased our brand exactly how we imagined it is a testament to their passion for their industry. I trust the team at Design Environments and recommend them to any company that needs someone to help their brand make an impact.”

- Matthew Fraser, managing director, Fraser Podiatry Group Ltd

— Advertising Feature

p 09 307 0111 e downtown@speedysigns.co.nz speedysigns.co.nz/auckland-downtown

CONTACT OUR TEAM FOR ADVICE ON GREAT SIGNAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS We have enjoyed a great working relationship with Design Environments for many years and have implemented numerous outstanding retail signage solutions designed by their team.

Design Environments provides exceptional forward-thinking retail design solutions and we are proud to be associated with their projects.

SPEEDY SIGNS DOWNTOWN CONGRATULATES JOHN AND THE DESIGN ENVIRONMENTS TEAM ON THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY! www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 71

Business Development | Fashion Uniforms Limited

What’s your identity?

Wearing a uniform creates an impression. Uniforms symbolise the belonging to and being part of a greater group – and they can send a very strong message.

This makes a good uniform a very effective way to communicate, identify and present your business in a positive manner.

Sport your company logo or slogan to promote your business and to make personnel instantly recognisable.

J.M PRODUCTIONS L

I

M

I

T

E

D

Producing NZ Made Garments for fashion Uniforms

092703354

At the forefront of corporate, healthcare, medical and work wear uniforms in New Zealand is Fashion Uniforms Limited. The long standing business has been in operation for 40 years, which means its staff has the expertise to manufacture and supply quality men and women’s clothing specifically designed for the working environment.

Fashion Uniforms manufactures on-site at its facility in Papakura, with additional third party manufacturing relationships in Fiji, China and India. From research and development through to quality control, manufacturing and delivery, Fashion Uniforms has everything covered.

The company source its own fabric and materials so the manufacturing standard is consistent and this also allows for a diverse range of collections with creative styles and colours to suit the workplace.

The highly capable and experienced staff will complete the garment manufacturing process from design, patternmaking, cutting, fusing, machining, to pressing and finishing. With an average output of 750 garments per week, the company strives to design, produce and deliver products quickly and efficiently.

Speak to one of the designers if you have specific requirements. Fashion Uniforms offers a tailored measuring service to guarantee the perfect fit and are more than happy to listen to requests, including one-off garments.

One of the best qualities of this business is not only its quality of clothing, or its professionalism, but the fact that it has the ability to change. The company is always on the lookout to find innovative solutions to meet the ever changing fashion trends and the range of fabrics introduced. This strategy is a smart tactic in business which helps to keep Fashion Uniforms at the top of the industry.

The company takes care to look after its clients and provide them with the best 72 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Phone Alan 021 152 7656

Offerings • Design • Performance • Quality control • Customer service.

products available, which is why it aims to produce clothing of high standards by using the process of quality control and extensive testing systems.

If you’re looking for clothing which is comfortable, long lasting and looks great, you’ve come to the right place. The team at Fashion Uniforms won’t let you down and there’s 40 years worth of evidence to support it.

Design options • Research • Recommendations • Trial • Delivery • Communication and review.

Fashion Uniforms Limited 23 East Street Papakura Auckland 2110 T (09) 299 6984 www.ful.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Software Solution that suit you It’s the 21st century and the importance of using quality software in today’s fast paced business world is paramount. It is here where Auckland based Magic Macros Ltd can help. The company develops high quality software systems to keep your business up to speed in the information technology stakes.

The magicians at Magic Macros The highly skilled Magic Macros team has established itself as a market leader in Auckland for the deliverance of software solutions that ultimately help businesses operate in a more efficient, cohesive manner.

Magic Macros can help reduce the frustrations within your business and increase the overall productivity by revamping or creating new, purposebuilt design software - all the more reason to take advantage of their generous free consultation offer.

Magic Macros recruits only the brightest and most competent computer software engineers to enable the company to provide software that works intuitively, meets the customers’ vision and fits in fluidly with day to day business.

Magic Macros services • Customised computer software development • Solution specific database and spreadsheet development

Magic Macros is a leading software development company based conveniently in Mairangi Bay. The company specialises in developing customised software solutions across a broad range of industries and boasts a wealth of knowledge and experience which encompass a wide variety of business needs.

• Enhanced reporting from standard accounting programs.

“Our motto ‘Giving you more time in the sun’ says it all. There are so many businesses struggling along with old Excel spreadsheets that take a lot of time to keep up to date and generally don’t give the answers needed in today’s data hungry environment. We can fix that, generally for surprisingly little cost.”

Free consultation

The team specialises in offering expert advice and implementing innovative ideas to bolster the IT side of businesses, thus handing the team and its clients a distinct advantage in their designated market.

The hard line on software

“At Magic Macros we strive to make our clients’ businesses more effective and efficient thereby minimising wasted time and helping to maximise profits,” Magic Macros director John Ringer says.

support framework and after-sales support to keep you and your staff truly in the know.

Innovative solutions Where many would see problems, Magic Macros see only solutions.

Combining knowledge with an abundance of cutting edge software the results can considerably boost productivity, improve efficiency and provide a platform for future business growth.

Whether the issue is complex or a relatively straightforward system, usability is at the forefront of Magic Macros’ services. From time saving spreadsheets to more detailed accounting data, software developed

by Magic Macros is the answer to relieving a company of undue frustration while keeping productivity levels at a pinnacle.

We all agree that less computer confusion and more compliant software systems can be the oil to the gears. Magic Macros specialises in supplying that ease of motion on any scale, so it’s no wonder the company’s at the forefront of Auckland’s software development and programming industry. And the team also works on a national scale.

For a reliable, profssional service, contact the team of highly skilled software engineers, request a free consultation and discover the possibilities a fully functional, tailored software package could offer your business.

Testimonials “Thank you so much for all your help setting up my database, you have been absolutely indispensable! I am a complete novice in all things computing but you have always been so very patient with me, taking time to explain things in a way I can easily understand. I can’t thank you enough and will definitely be recommending you to all.”

- Liarne Clarke, chef/owner Galley Kitchen, Auckland

“Our custom-built computer programme, written for us several years ago, was beginning to show its age. Fortunately we were introduced to John of Magic Macros who came in and, not only sorted out the problems, but also made great enhancements. A big thanks to Magic Macros.”

- Julie Hardwick, SCE Stone and Design, Auckland

Software that delivers As the business world rotates at speed, we rely more and more upon the performance of our computer systems and software packages to function flawlessly as the dark ages of filing systems and paper records become obsolete.

Magic Macros Ltd T (09) 449 0269 M 021 982 001 E john@magicmacros.co.nz www.magicmacros.co.nz

The software package that your business is crying out for could be just a click away. Visit www.magicmacros. co.nz or call John on 021 982001 to find out more about the benefits an IT upgrade can have on your future capabilities as a company.

Not only does Magic Macros develop and integrate the software, the company also provides a complete

Save $20 off our usual rate of $120 (+GST) per hour

Giving you more time in the sun

Boating & Marine | Seahorse Equipment

Fishing’s new moves Google ‘kontiki fishing’ and on the first page search results you will find www.fishing.net.nz, a tried and trusted website used by many fishing enthusiasts in New Zealand.

The article, How to fish with a kontiki, outlines the author’s use of his favourite kontiki, made by Seahorse Equipment and this speaks volumes for this company’s product and its market recognition.

Located conveniently close to the beach in Tauranga, Seahorse Equipment Ltd is owned and operated by the Scherer family. Tauranga is widely regarded as the birth place of kontiki fishing, therefore an ideal place to establish the ultimate in beach launched, long line fishing.

What is a kontiki?

A kontiki is essentially an off shore, unmanned fishing unit. Originally designed to be carried by wind or an inflated object, recent advances in technology have led to electric motors being deployed which enable the device to fish up to 2km from the shore.

The strong motors allow the unit to fish in any weather, unlike its human counterpart, and outreach the cast of even the best beach fishermen among us.

Seahorse Equipment revolutionised the face of konitiki fishing when it launched the GPS controlled auto-pilot version of their creation two years ago.

Seahorse Equipment director Philip Scherer says the ability to navigate the unit offers the user untold power to find their desired catch. “The ability to take 25 hooks up to 2km offshore under the full control of the user really increases the chances of landing good fish. In fact the majority of trips the Seahorse makes, a few good snapper inevitably end up in the ice box.”

As well as manufacturing the Seahorse Kontiki, the company also makes and provides all the necessary paraphernalia to complement the fisherman’s friend including motorised trollies, bags, flags and spare traces.

• Hunting and Fishing Stores The Seahorse Kontiki – engineered to perform • Strong, streamlined polythene body with balanced carrying handle • Easy to use control panel for simple operation • Smart internal electronic control unit waterproofed and sealed in resin • Powerful Mercury electric motors • Solid motor guard to allow for shallow water launching • Advanced stall protection and recovery – protecting motor and batteries • Offset tow-point to counter the torque of the powerful mercury motor • High intensity night activated strobe light.

The Seahorse truly is a fishing machine, built to withstand the elements and take our hooks into previously unchartered territory; it can bring in the fish better than most of us can claim to.

With such an innovative product on the market, it’s easy to see the export potential for keen beach fishermen the world over and with recent shipments to the USA and Europe, its clear the word is spreading.

As konitiki fishing appears to be a predominantly New Zealand based activity, for now, it’s only right that Kiwis can purchase the Seahorse from any good fishing outlet in Auckland.

Shockwatch NZ Ltd specializes in products that prevent damage, improve safety in the workplace and reduce costs in the transportation and storage of fragile or temperature sensitive goods.

021 762 010

Where can I buy a Seahorse Kontiki in Auckland?

• FCO Stores – fishing, camping, outdoors • Fish City – Albany

• Smart Marine • Pauls Fishing Kites • And of course www.seahorse.net.nz – with free overnight delivery to Auckland.

Testimonials “We are loving our Seahorse, great family fun, thanks for making such a great user friendly product. It’s a great way to make a 6kg snapper look small.”

- Jason and Lucy “Having a ball with the Seahorse thanks, a great asset, used it a lot more in the past three months than I did my boat in three years and caught more fish.”

- Dave “Hi, I bought a 46lb thrust kontiki from you recently and have had the opportunity to use over the Xmas holiday period. I have set it about a dozen times with good results. I caught gurnard, snapper and lemon fish and kept my family well supplied with fresh fish each day of our fifteen day holiday.

On the last day of our holiday and last kontiki launch I caught a 19.1 lb snapper (photo attached) which topped the holiday for me and my family. FYI the winch in the photos is home-made and holds 1800 metres of line. It works great.”

- Mike Spray

Seahorse Equipment Ltd 41 Whiore Ave Tauriko, Tauranga T (07) 543 0266 E Sales@seahorse.net.nz www.seahorse.net.nz

— Advertising Feature

www.shockwatch.co.nz

We are proud to be a supplier to Seahorse Equipment INSPIRE | FORM | DELIVER Mouldings Unlimited is proud of its long partnership with Seahorse Electric Kontiki’s.

We are a leader in the fabrication and assembly of rotational moulded products, if you have a product or product idea - give us a call.

74 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Gary King Mouldings Unlimited Ph: 06 326 8888 www.mouldingsunlimited.co.nz

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25 Euclid Ave, TeRapa, Hamilton • 07 8493 814 • www.castech.co.nz • info@castech.co.nz

Boating & Marine | Hi Tech Plastics

Moulding

to meet your needs

The New Zealand marine industry requires a different approach compared to other transport or luxury vessel industries. Each boat can be innately different and the skipper or owner often has visions that require a company to break the mould.

The ability to custom design and essentially reserve a certain mould for a client gives Hi Tech Plastics a leading edge in a highly competitive market. The Mills family has always taken pride in the quality of its products due to their policy of only using New Zealand made products. While they openly admit they are not the cheapest, they do claim that they are however, the best.

Custom moulding is a vital service that can drastically improve performance of a boat, whether a live bait tank or a comfort enhancing chair is required (an essential for almost all skippers) – the Hi Tech Plastics team has the skill and knowledge to produce the perfect piece to fit the jigsaw.

Although the company previously based operations on the marine industry, its expertise has opened up many other ventures and markets. This diversity has led Hi Tech Plastics is that to a net being cast over an array of plastic very company. moulding including producing plastics mouldings for council water and effluent The family company prides itself on the ability solutions, playground equipment for parks to manufacture and custom make a wide and kindergartens, automotive air intakes, variety of high quality products. effluent and water tanks for the marine and The Hamilton based company is proudly New RV market, mudguards, gas bottle covers for caravans, trap covers for pest control, Zealand owned and operated, using New Zealand based suppliers to ensure the utmost equestrian cones, even pottery trays for the UK. quality of its diverse range of products.

Brothers Jared and Bevan Mills actively work in the business their father Eric purchased in 2002 and both take pride in their industry reputation.

“We supply New Zealand with some form of product, from super-yacht builders to dingy owners and everything in between,” Jared Mills says.

“Once a client requests that we tailor make a certain mould for them, they then own that mould. A level of individuality comes with our service and the same applies for custom welded products also.”

Jared is confident the range of products will continue to please as the company foresees expansion on the horizon. “We are market leaders in new products and in the field of design and production including in-house CAD facilities. Over the next few years we will be diversifying our range even further, improving our moulding facility and working closely with the boat builders of New Zealand.”

As the age of mass manufacturing and cheap imports begins to live up to its reputation of being cheap, short lived and detrimental to our export industry, there’s one breed of company that looks to prosper from its ability to produce quality time after time.

Hi Tech Plastics is the benchmark for New Zealand made, New Zealand owned and New Zealand operated – so why go anywhere else for your perfect plastic moulded product?

Hi Tech Plastics 10 Clow Place Hamilton T (07) 843 3343 E sales@hitechplastics.co.nz www.hitechplastics.co.nz

vanglobe

Testimonial “Bevan, Jared and the team are awesome to work with when it comes to experimenting with new products, just brilliant. The benefits just go on and on they always meet the deadline when we want something done. Their professional approach to accuracy is extremely important for us and as a result we just wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. Their input and technical knowledge… you just can’t buy that knowledge.”

– Tredsafe

Business Advisers & Chartered Accountants

— Advertising Feature

For a free & confidential initial interview call us now.

Ask about our services Business Accounting Budget Management Advice Business Sales & Purchases Taxation Personal Service

®

matrix

NZ Produced - High Quality rotomoulding powders Matrix is a global group giving access to latest technologies in Rotational Moulding

Proud to support Bevan, Jared and the team at Hi Tech Plastics (2002) Ltd.

Proud suppliers of Rotational Moulding raw materials to Hi Tech Plastics 0800 563 356 | sally.beets@vanglobematrix.co.nz | www.vanglobematrix.com

PO Box 561, Hamilton 3240, 252 Ohaupo Road, Glenview, Hamilton 3206 Ph. 07 843 1390, Fax 07 843 1392 Email advisers@brinkworths.co.nz

Helping you mould your future Innovative Locally Compounded Powders for Rotational Moulding Vision Plastics NZ Ltd 3 Furnace Place, Silverdale, Auckland | P O Box 44, Silverdale Auckland 0944 | Ph: 09 427 0674 | enquiries@vplas.co.nz | www.vplas.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 75

Boating & Marine | Total Trim Canvas and Upholstery

Quality cover Total Trim Canvas and Upholstery Limited can upholster or cover anything – from lounge suites and dining chairs to outdoor furniture and cushions, commercial furniture, caravans, motorhomes and marine seating and covers.

Residential and commercial work While Total Trim has traditionally focused on the marine sector, it also undertakes a wide range of residential and commercial work.

The company specialises in all aspects of upholstery and cover making, including residential, commercial, outdoor, automotive, marine and bespoke/custom design and manufacture.

Total Trim is an expert in all fabrics, including leathers and canvasses, and also has a range of specialty cleaning and care products.

The team at Total Trim can do all aspects of commercial upholstery from concept to completion. They work closely with clients, shop fitters and designers on their reupholstery and new projects.

The company can help clients transform the look of their seating areas with updated colours and designs in commercial-grade leatherettes and fabrics. It specialises in bench seating areas and the recovery of all other seating, panels and feature wall panels, and does a lot of one-off projects for designers.

Focus on quality and care Total Trim places a huge emphasis on quality and service, which it guarantees and stands behind. The company also supplies a range of cleaning care products for fabrics, leather, canvas, vinyl and clear PVCs, which can be ordered online.

Using the right products can help extend the life of your upholstery and covers.

clients and interior designers on custom and production leather projects in the marine, commercial and domestic markets, including luxury apartments.

This work includes: • Upholstery • Floor tiles • Wall tiles • Panels

Marine upholstery and covers

Total Trim Canvas and Upholstery can see your project through from start to finish.

Total Trim Canvas and Upholstery has years of experience in the marine industry and has completed marine projects on boats of all sizes, including superyachts.

Its services include:

The business is owned by Chris Collins and Andrew Hayward, who spent many years working in the upholstery, motor trimming and marine trimming industries before starting their own business Chris, Andrew and their team work closely with agents, designers and owners to achieve their vision and create top-quality marine upholstery.

Total Trim specialises in custom made boat covers and canopies of any shape or size in various materials including canvas, Stamoid, PVC, mesh, Strataglass and clear PVCs.

• Re-uphostery

• Table tops • Handle covers • Handrails • Banisters • Cabinets

• New work • Specialist products • Samples

• Drawers • Feature walls.

• Free measure and quote • Quality craftsmanship guaranteed • Friendly helpful service • Professional advice and expertise.

Leather craft Total Trim can cover just about anything in leather. It works with

Total Trim Canvas and Upholstery Limited PO Box 40473 Glenfield North Shore City T (09) 441 6159 E totaltrim@clear.net.nz www.totaltrim.co.nz — Advertising Feature

10%

Discount with this ad until 31|Aug|2013

Suppliers of Superb Quality Leathers Call or visit us for a free consultation Unit 5/61 View Road, Wairau Valley North Shore E: totaltrim@clear.net.nz Ph: (09) 441 6159 www.totaltrim.co.nz

Topfab is an Outdoor fabric specialist, with a major focus on the Marine, Awning and Upholstery market.

Import/distributor of top quality brands such as Sunbrella™, Stamoid®, Strataglass™, YKK Zips, Velcro® Brand & Free flow™ Outdoor Foam.

Topfab is a family business that has been in the fabric trade for 3 generations.

2c Winston Place, Henderson 0650, Auckland

Ph. 09 836 5445 | Fax. 09 836 3759 Email. sales@topfab.co.nz | Web. www.topfab.co.nz 76 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

• • • • • •

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100’s of leathers to choose from.

Buy on line www.lapco.co.nz or visit our Retail showroom Mon-Fri 9.30am -3pm Ph: 09 638 6820 | Email: Info@lapco.co.nz

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Hospitality | Sidart Restaurant

Flavour to savour Auckland has a wide variety of cafés, bars and restaurants that can make choosing just the right spot quite a conundrum.

But if you’re in the mood for a little indulgence, then award winning restaurant Sidart is here to make your decision just that bit easier.

It has become well known for its fabulous food, relaxing decor, ambience and friendly service.

Expect fantastic views of the city as you enter Sidart; it showcases a casual and comfortable atmosphere with stylish lighting fixtures, artwork and comfortable seating throughout

the restaurant. With its well renowned food and immaculate service, the fine dining venue is bound to please all.

Opened in September, 2009 by Sid and Chand Sahrawat, Sidart is located in the Three Lamps Plaza Mall. The building is a heritage building erected in 1910 as a roller rink and later became the Britannia movie theatre, which closed in 1969.

Sid decided it was time to realise his vision and created his very own restaurant, following years of award winning cooking in high profile restaurants such as The Grove Restaurant. Sid is a three time Lewisham award winner; twice as Innovative Chef of the Year and once as Outstanding Chef of the Year.

Sidart offers diners with a range of offerings.

Take your pick from five to 10 course degustation menu - all available with wine matching - the Tuesday ‘test kitchen’ which is an eight course experimental menu and Sidart’s latest concept, The Chef’s Table. The intimate dining room can accommodate group bookings of up to 40 guests, with options of set menus or tasting menus designed to suit your table.

The Chef’s Table is available from Wednesday to Saturday for four to six guests. This gives people the chance to get a closer look into the kitchen and watch chefs creating their dishes and interact with them. The cost is $180 per person, which includes a 10 course meal and a glass of champagne on arrival.

Chand explains that when Sidart first opened the restaurant offered a la carte menu. “We now only offer a five or 10 course degustation menu each night. Tuesday’s were our quietest nights so we decided to try new recipes and experiment in the kitchen. This ‘test kitchen’ offers our customers eight courses for $80 and now Tuesdays have become the hardest days to get a table at Sidart.”

Sidart has become a proven venue rather than a new concept and, as new venues are always opening up, the restaurant has maintained its outstanding reputation by keeping loyal regulars and continuing to attract new customers by changing the menu every week.

Sid Sahrawat believes good food must be devoured and appreciated by the eyes first.

Proudly served at

www.fiveelements.co.nz 78 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

“We constantly are pushing ourselves to be better, failure is not an option. We change the menu each week so as a customer you

can come to Sidart one week then have a completely different dinning experience the next.

“Our menu changes each week to push creativity and also ensure we use the best, most seasonal produce. We have two dishes that have remained popular as they push the customer’s palates. The Roquefort cheesecake and the duck with liquorice, lemon and goat’s curd are firm favourites,” Sid explains.

The duo enjoy providing customers with creative food that pushes them to try new flavours, accompanied by great service.

“Reading the menu is optional but we only offer degustation menus so the customers have to trust us,” Chand says.

Since opening, Sidart has won Metro magazine’s Best New Restaurant for 2010 and Best Dish for 2011. It was also runner up in Metro’s Fine Dining Restaurant category 2013 and was nominated for best short drinks list, best chef and top 10 restaurants in Auckland.

Cuisine magazine nominated it in its 50 best New Zealand Restaurants for 2011 and it is number one for best restaurant in Auckland as voted by Trip Advisor members. Sid Sahrawat was also a guest judge for the second season of New Zealand Masterchef.

Hospitality | Sidart Restaurant

Sidart provides some of Auckland’s most innovative and unique cuisine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, offering wines from all over New Zealand and as far away as South Africa and Argentina.

Chand feels Sidart is genuinely special.

“From your welcome, to the food, the view of the city, we pride ourselves on our overall offering, especially our service.

“We have a passion for food, the excitement of creating something new all the time and watching guest’s immediate reaction to it gives us great pleasure. We want to keep striving for perfection and improving on what we do.”

Tasting menu: Five courses for $95 per person ($50 wine pairing) Ten courses for $140 per person ($90 wine pairing)

Sample Menu: Scampi , Sweetcorn & Tomato Yellowfin Tuna, Crab & Chervil Beetroot , Spinach & Capers Hapuka, Almonds & Tamarind

Testimonials

Duck, Licorice & Goat Curd

“We really enjoyed our meal at Sidart; there is a perfect balance between the atmosphere, food and experience.

The wines are matched superbly and we left satisfyingly full. All the best for staying number one in Auckland on Tripadvisor - yet to find a restaurant in Auckland that is even in your league.”

– Rebecca, Napier “On my first Sidart experience, within six months of opening, I thought that the food was trying too hard to be impressive. Clearly things have evolved significantly since then because our dining experience this weekend was fabulous and memorable and I was very impressed by how confident yet restrained the food was, oh and it tasted great. The highlights for me were the beetroot with raspberry sorbet with parmesan custard, the seared dusted kingfish, the duck and pork courses, and the mandarin and caramel desserts.”

– Gus, Auckland

Wild Venison, Leek & Chorizo Grainfed Beef & Mushrooms, Seaweed Rocquefort , Red wine & Pear Coffee, Peach & Olive Chocolate , Cherry & Fig leaf.

Awards: • Metro - runner up best fine dinning 2013 • Metro - progressive restaurateur 2012 runner up - Sid Sahrawat • Metro - best dish 2011 • Metro - best restaurant 2010 • Tripadvisor – No 1 restaurant in Auckland • Dineout – people’s choice gold award 2013.

Hours Sidart Restaurant Three Lamps Plaza 283 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby T (09) 360 2122 E reservations@sidart.co.nz www.sidart.co.nz

Tuesday – Saturday: dinner from 6.30pm Friday: lunch from 12pm Bookings recommended

— Advertising Feature

Contact Marguerite : Cell +64 21 415 692 info@closmarguerite.co.nz www.closmarguerite.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 79

Hospitality | Catalina Café

Hospitality | Dante’s Pizza

Keeping it real

A style of its own

Fast foods are cheap as they are unfulfilling, but one pizzeria who keeps it real is Dante’s Pizzeria Napoletana based at Ponsonby Central in Auckland.

Catalina Café occupies a unique space; despite being set in the heart of the stunning new Hobsonville Point development, the café was built in 1938 and is a space which has housed avionics repairs and a signals and communications centre for the RNZAF.

Kevin Morris and his team of highly skilled and certified pizzaioli (that’s pizza chef to you and me) prepare each pizza by hand like a form of art. What was born centuries ago in Naples, Italy can be savaged, in the most polite manner possible, of course, at Dante’s.

Good pizza is so well prized in Italy that they’ve passed laws describing what a true Neapolitan pizza must be. And rightly so, protecting their brand and image is important.

When proprietor Wayne Jackson first saw the building he knew it was going to be part of something extraordinary.

Happily every detail is as authentic as possible at Dante’s Pizzeria. It is one of the few pizzerias outside of Naples, Italy, to be a member of the prestigious Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, an organisation that regulates Neapolitan pizza. And it shows.

The authentic Italian flavour signals in the key ingredients, which are fresh, good quality and natural. Each kneaded dough base is formed with passion and is dazzled with real Italian ingredients imported directly from Italy to deliver a true Italian pizza.

These award winning pizzas can only be produced from a traditional wood burning oven with temperatures soaring in excess of 800 degrees. Ninety seconds - that’s the amount of time it takes for chefs at Dante’s Pizzeria to bake a pizza. But even though speed is one of the concept’s main attractions, it is by no means fast food.

For a sublime pizza that exceeds expectation, has no chemicals, colours, additives or preservatives, you can’t get any more real than Dante’s.

“We saw the space and thought it was really amazing; that something really special could happen here. We had a look at it and saw the high ceilings, big sash windows and historical feel about it, a setting that has such a history.”

Menu: Marinara D.O.C Tomato, E.V.O.O, oregano, garlic (no cheese) $20 Regina Margherita D.O.C Tomato, E.V.O.O, fresh mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil $24

But there’s so much more to Catalina Café than just a great space. “A big plus for us is the café’s outlook over the stunning liquid amber pathway and phoenix palms, which create a real sense of heritage and place. It is a real pleasure watching the community evolve and been part of that growth and change.”

La Bella Italia D.O.C Tomato, E.V.O.O, fresh mozzarella di bufala, fresh tomatoes, cracked black pepper, rocket $24 Con Prosciutto Tomato, mozzarella, Italian cured ham, rocket, parmigiano $24 Chorizo Reale Tomato, mozzarella, chorizo $24

Dante’s Pizza 136 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Centre Auckland P (09) 378 4443 www.dantespizza.co.nz

Agilo E.V.O.O, fresh garlic, rosemary, sea salt $15 — Advertising Feature

Catalina Café Buckley Ave Hobsonville Point T (09) 950 6551 E info@catalinacafe.co.nz www.catalinacafe.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Delbos Meat Products Our traditionally crafted air dried meats are Manuka cold-smoked and are guaranteed to have no artificial preservatives, additives or colours, and are also gluten free.

80 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

P. 0508 106 658 E. info@delbos.co.nz www.delbos.co.nz

Their friend and artist/designer Mike Petre recycled the rimu tongue and groove walls to create the stunning communal tables and countertops, designed and made stools and cushions using old army blankets and picked a striking colour palette of pastels to reflect a bygone era.

The café is fitted out entirely with energy saving and eco-friendly technology, all of which is available in the houses for sale in the development. “All the lights are LED, we have solar power backup, hot water heat pumps and collect rain water. All of our communications are on fibre.

“We love how the space has historical references integrated with modern design touches and technology,” Wayne says.

Catalina Café grows many of its own herbs and veges and sources other produce locally; even food scraps go to local pigs and chooks!

“Our food focus is on fresh seasonal produce and with a full blackboard menu, a gourmet pizza menu and a counter full of delicious sweet and savoury treats, we feel we have an offer to suit everybody’s taste and budget.”

Regular air force patrons still visit Catalina Café and it’s likely they enjoy the most recent incarnation of the building more than when it was simply used to fix the planes.

“It is fascinating to meet people of all generations who have been part of the fabric of the base and have such great stories to tell.

“The café is also fully licensed with a terrific range of boutique wines and beers, and the free wi-fi comes in handy for business meetings as well. Come and check out the farmers market next door on a Sunday and have an explore.”

At a Glance | I.T. Air

Keeping your important bytes cool If you have ever had your computer server crash you will know the pandemonium, the loss of productivity and the loss of credibility it can cause. If you haven’t experienced this yet, it may be just a matter of time.

Overheating is a common cause of server failure and this is why using a critical environment specialist like I.T. Air is vital. It can probably save you money too.

I.T. Air understands cooling solutions, especially when it comes to data centres, server rooms and computer rooms, as well as all other critical environments. This is why the company’s expertise is highly valued when it comes to choosing, installing and maintaining a system that is designed on a customised basis and to fit within budgets and restrictions.

Talk to the friendly and experienced design team about the range of products and options available and to help you choose which equipment works best in your environment.

With a passion for innovative technology they’re sure to have the right solution for you and the installation team will take the hassle and disruption out of the process by working around your business needs.

The design team will be more than happy to talk you through different critical environment systems which may be suited to your situation, whether it be computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units, computer room air handling (CRAH) units, door units, chilled water systems, DX systems, or you might even want to discuss the different options available for “free cooling”.

Do you care about your carbon footprint?

I.T. Air certainly does.

which help manage power consumption and airflow. They are also the exclusive re-seller for Avtech monitoring equipment, which provide you with a simple, flexible and cost-effective way to remotely monitor and manage the environment, thus ensuring optimal performance.

It also has an emergency breakdown service, so if you have a faulty system you needn’t panic. The engineers are on call 24 hours a day, ready to respond to your call to repair all brands of systems, so you can get on with business with minimal interruption.

I.T. Air is all about protecting your most valuable asset – your data.

For your entire critical environment cooling system needs, I.T. Air is the package.

Delivering quality systems, expertise and experience, all topped off with a dash of enthusiasm.

For the next month I.T. Air are offering you a free server room health check. You have nothing to lose in taking up this offer and maybe a lot to gain. If you don’t, how long before you have a problem?

Remember the number because I.T. Air is in business to help keep you in business.

I.T. Air 57a O’Rorke Road Penrose, Auckland T (09) 525 2155 E: office@itair.co.nz www.itair.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

By regularly maintaining and servicing your air conditioning system, lower energy consumption levels will be achieved, which in turn leads to lowering operational costs. So getting things checked regularly is not only good for the environment, but good for your pocket too.

The company is aware of the damaging effects on the ozone layer due to refrigerant leaks from systems running on R22. The I.T. Air team are the right people to call to have it replaced with a more environmentally friendly option.

I.T. Air has several exclusive product lines for helping you control your environment.

These include under floor containment systems and aisle containment systems,

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 81

Victoria Park is back and looking After five years of steady and deliberate progress, Victoria Park Market is finally at the end of its 20 million dollar overhaul. The heritage site has been revamped and rejuvenated, literally brick by brick working with Historic Places Trust to ensure the site’s historical integrity.

And now, all the hard work has been worth it, with Victoria Park Market becoming a modern and beautiful precinct with cafés and restaurants and an up-and-coming retail area that Aucklanders have been longing for. Close to the motorway, a short walk or drive from Ponsonby, Freeman’s Bay and the CBD , and on the main bus route, Victoria Park Market is easy to find, easy to get to and definitely worth the trip.

We’ve featured a few of the great establishments here that you’ll find on your next visit to Victoria Park - read on.

Salash Promises Meaty Eats for Victoria Park Market Auckland City foodies rejoice! Victoria Park Market is soon to be welcoming one of New Zealand’s real food treats with Salash Delicatessen set to open in September this year. Despite being only four years in business Salash is winning rave reviews and loyal fans for their delicious range of cold cuts, salamis and sausages made entirely without the use of nitrates, preservatives, or fillers - something almost unheard of in New Zealand.

Director Pedja Mirkov says Salash is the only butchery in the country to be approved for having all natural cured meats. “It took us some time to get the natural curing process right, but now we’ve got it, we’d never look back,” says Pedja. The name ‘Salash’ comes from the unique type of farm specific to Northern Serbia which is 100% sustainable. “My Grandfather had a Salash, and so we’re carrying on the tradition. We want to be as sustainable as we can be in this modern world - Salash is our goal,” says Pedja.

Salash Delicatessen began when director Pedja’s parents moved over from Serbia to join the rest of the family in New Zealand, bringing with them three generations of Mirkov family tradition in cured meats. From their small butchery in a garage in New Lynn, Pedja and brother Gradimir, with the help of their father Dragoslav, started their business smoking meat in a gigantic corrugated iron smoker.

To convince health authorities that additives were not a necessary part of curing meat took some time. Meats can take from four to 18 months to cure with chemicals to speed up the process, but the Salash team were determined to do it naturally, the oldfashioned way. Eventually they were given the green light to take their meats to market.

The only equipment they use is a smoker, a mincer and a vacuum packer. It doesn’t get more traditional than that. They began selling their product in farmers markets around Auckland. “To begin with, we could only sell fresh products. Kiwis weren’t used to dried meat,” says Pedja. But once customers learnt who Salash were and what they were about, they started becoming very receptive to their cured meat offering.

Now Salash offers a range of different cold cuts, sausages and salamis and some very traditional extras such as lard and pork scratchings. With all these products there is a wide variety of saltiness, smokiness, texture, fat content (mainly pork but a bit of beef too), offering something for every palate. Their Vrat (pork scotch fillet) has a wonderful creamy texture - undoubtedly due to the big white streaks of fat running through it - and the leaner, more delicate Šunka (prosciutto) is sliced impossibly fine, to the point of translucence. And if you’re looking for really great salami, their Backa pork salami has the most wonderful balance of smoke, pepper, garlic and paprika flavours - highly spiced but not to the point of overpowering.

82 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Now with a factory in Onehunga (which uses the same traditional methods), things are expanding rapidly for the Salash team – hence the new retail shop in Victoria Park Market. “We’ve had to start up a permanent shop as people keep saying they can’t wait weekend to weekend to buy our meats at the markets,” says Pedja.

Salash decided to take a lease in Victoria Park Market as they loved the location and atmosphere of the place. “It’s the best place we’ve seen so far. It’s very central and close to the motorway, so all Aucklanders can visit us easily.

“I also love the European feel of the area, with the heritage buildings and open skies above your head, it’s something different and original for New Zealand,” he says. Salash will open in Victoria Park Market in October.

Platinum Sports Co. Platinum Sports Co. first opened a store in Victoria Park Market in 1989, not long after the market itself was created. As Victoria Park Market was re-developed, so was Platinum Sports Co., into an award-winning destination retail space like no other. Last year the store won a Gold Pin award for best retail environment and first place in the retail category for best design in the NZ Interior Awards.

Platinum Sports Co. co-owner Lisa England says when customers visit the Victoria Park Market store they get an exceptional shopping experience.

“The shop showcases a carefully curated collection of fitness brands, in a unique heritage location. It’s one of a kind,” she says.

Alongside a spectacular range of lifestyle and performance brands, Platinum Sports Co. boasts to be one of just two southern hemisphere stores that hold the stunning Stella McCartney for Adidas range, outside of Adidas shops.

“After we pitched for the brand, it was nine months before we received the good news that our application had been successful. It was a lengthy process but it was all worth it, as the range fits perfectly in our store and our customers love it,” says England.

“It’s worth the trip down to Victoria Park Market to visit our beautiful new store,” she says.

better than ever.

Libertine When Pack and Company decided to open another bar and restaurant next to their very successful La Zeppa Kitchen and Bar in Victoria Park Market, the challenge was to come up with something completely unique so as not to encroach on La Zeppa’s regular customers.

Libertine was the solution to that challenge; a bar and eatery which is influenced by the vibrant food and drink of New Orleans, with an emphasis on shared dining.

“It’s like nothing else in the area,” says Pack and Company marketing manager Matt Nicholls. “We actually sent our chef over to New Orleans before we opened Libertine to see what the food and drink offering was like there. We wanted to be as authentic as possible,” he said. And authentic they are, with American whiskies and bourbons taking centre stage, alongside rums and rhum agricoles from the French islands, jerk chicken to share and soft shell tacos, of course!

“It’s an absolutely beautiful space, with an amazing view which we wanted to make the most of. We did so by creating an elevated floor for the afternoon sun to stream through from the west-facing windows,” he says. “For the perfect spot to have a glass of wine in the winter, it just can’t be beaten,” says Nicholls.

Mozaik Café After buying a small espresso machine for his home and learning how to make the perfect flat white, David Shang fell in love with the art of coffee and so decided to get into the ‘black gold’ business himself.

Buttermilk Mixes Modern with Heritage at Victoria Park Market When Buttermilk Café owner Warwick Brown owned the Birdcage he would look across the road at the historic Victoria Park Market and look forward to the day it was transformed into a vibrant retail precinct for Auckland locals as well as tourists. “Victoria Park Market has so much character,” says Brown.

“There’s just nothing else like it in Auckland City - so when the opportunity came for me to open a café there, I signed up and here we are.”

Buttermilk Café opened in November 2012, during the first development phase of Victoria Park Market. Since then the café has gained some fantastic momentum, with local customers as well as the business people of Freeman’s Bay. “At first it wasn’t easy to get Aucklanders through the doors, but through word of mouth and some great reviews all that is changing. People have experienced our outstanding, offering and seen how cool this area is, so the word is getting out,” says Brown.

Open seven days per week from 7am until 3pm, Buttermilk offers a seasonal menu of breakfast and lunch items with everything produced on site; pastries, cakes and biscuits, backed up with great espresso by Ozone coffee and juices fresh squeezed daily. Going forward Brown sees Victoria Park Market becoming a hub of Auckland City, once people’s perception of the area changes. “This area is no longer a market where tourists come to get tiedyed t-shirts and cheap jewellery, it’s an up-to-date, well designed precinct with some fabulous offerings and plenty more to come,” says Brown.

Atico Cocina Brings the Taste of the Caribbean to Victoria Park Market Nestled away in a heritage loft space hovering over Victoria Park Market is the Caribbean restaurant genius of Atico Cocina. Atico Cocina was the collective dream of business partners David Tasman and Colombian Omar Barrigan who says they wanted to put together a taste of the Caribbean for Aucklanders.

Searching out the best offering on the market, David and his wife Liming bought a Mozaik Caffé franchise, setting up shop in the first development of the now fully refurbished Victoria Park Market - having some great successes with their street facing café. “We really enjoy having our business here. We have great responses from customers and we make them feel as welcome and comfortable as possible,” says David. “And of course giving people a fantastic coffee every time always makes them happy,” he laughs

Ivillage at Victoria - Indian Kitchen & Bar Relive the joys of a bygone era. Enjoy traditionally cooked Indian cuisine at their new restaurant located under the chimney at Victoria Park Market Beautifully decorated, the rustic authentic surroundings make for a fabulous night to enjoy with family and friends.

Purchase a ticket for their Bollywood evening and dress up in Bollywood Glamour to enjoy an evening of food, wine, music and be treated to traditional Bollywood dancing.

Open for lunch and dinner daily.

Book Tickets: http://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2013/aug/bollywood-evening Email: info@ivillageatvictoria.co.nz Phone 309 4009

“We saw a space in the market for an amazing Caribbean offering, where people could have an international cuisine experience different to your everyday fine dining establishment,” he says.

Having been in the precinct since late 2011, Atico Cocina was one of the first tenants in the new Victoria Park Market precinct. “We fell in love with the building, it was just what we were looking for, so we signed straight away. It’s such a special building, especially when it’s all lit up at night with candles – it’s very ambient,” says Tasman. The restaurant with its central free standing bar is well known for its Caribbean cocktails, with regulars travelling from all over Auckland to be refreshed by their smooth mojitos and tangy caipirinhas.

Phone Jack Downer 021 527 478

Phone Mark Stevens September/October 2013 83 021 554 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz 443

84 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Focus | Teltherm Instruments

Made to measure How do you gauge a company’s worth? Well you look at the gauges they make of course! Teltherm Instruments supplies a plethora of vital industry instruments including pressure gauges, temperature gauges, level and flow management systems, plus a host of other high performance products.

With more than 60 years of experience in the supply and repair of industrial instruments, Teltherm is an expert in the field and provides a service to ensure large scale operations, such as the oil and gas industry, can operate at an optimum level, safely and effectively.

Teltherm Instruments is the only New Zealand manufacturer of analogue pressure and temperature gauges. The private New Zealand company is a leader in its specialised field and believes its instant attention to customers sets it apart from any competitor.

Teltherm Instruments director Anne Evans says “We respond to emails promptly, our customers respect that as many of our instruments end up in remote locations such as Papa New Guinea, where communication is vital”.

Teltherm offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee with all of its products and services, so the customer can rest assured they are not only dealing with a reputable, long established company, but are also guaranteed quality.

What does Teltherm specialise in?

• Pressure • Temperature • IANZ Calibration Laboratory • Flow • Level • Burner and boiler • Environmental • Switches and sensors • Gas detection solutions • Wireless products • Data logger systems ‘ • Humidity

Teltherm offers an onsite calibration service through their partners IIL while Teltherm’s IANZ laboratory in Auckland has an enviable reputation for turnaround times and assisting customers throughout NZ with their calibration requirements.

Exporting expertise

History

Testimonials on the Teltherm website reinforce this quality of service...

We have no hesitation in recommending Teltherm’s services to any other company.

Teltherm also exports globally and its ecommerce website www.teltherm.co.nz – allows online customers to customise instruments for manufacture. The website is Industrial instruments are precious pieces to a also the ideal place to browse the extensive working system - the cogs to the machine and catalogue of products and brands Teltherm has to offer. So when you feel the pressure, Teltherm this is how Teltherm assist in keeping their has the perfect gauge for your business! customer’s performance at a peak.

Established in the 1940s, Teltherm was originally known as The British Teltherm Co and based out of Newmarket in Auckland. The company has “Our company has been dealing with Teltherm weathered the recent turbulent economic climate and evolved into a focused, market leader Instruments since 1990 and has always found their service to be excellent. The turn-around in the industrial instrument business. time for gauge calibration is very good and on occasions when we have needed an urgent job Now situated at Church Street in Onehunga the completed, they have always accommodated business prides itself on the flexibility of its us. Nothing is too much trouble for the Teltherm manufacturing arm and its constant innovation staff and certificates and other paper work is in the instruments market. Teltherm is fully always sent to us promptly. Any queries we capable of catering for large or small batch have, are addressed immediately and staff are orders and can custom design to suit a always courteous and helpful on the phone. client’s needs.

STAND ALONE PRODUCTS COMPLETE SYSTEMS SENSORS & SYSTEMS IMPRESS PRESSURE TEMPERATURE LEVEL DISTANCE CALIBRATION CONTROL INDICATION LOGGING

“We have been doing business with Teltherm Instruments for over seven years now and have found them to be very efficient and easy to deal with. As our contractor for vacuum and pressure gauge calibration, we require fast, accurate and high quality service – which is what we get from Teltherm.

Teltherm Instruments Ltd 5/343 Church Street Onehunga 1061 Auckland T (09) 633 0040 E webenquiry@teltherm.co.nz www.teltherm.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

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Ph: 09 271 6560 Fax: 09 271 6561 E: sales@instrument.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 85

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Focus | Majik Video Systems

Video magic Majik Video Systems is a digital video and DVD production business. It uses the latest in high definition digital video and DVD technology. Since being established in 1990 the business has built its reputation by producing quality productions to the highest disciplines, accepted for television and DVD production.

Owner Lindsay Benbrook brings more than 40 years of professional television production experience to Majik Video Systems after a long and successful career behind the cameras and major productions with TVNZ.

heritage railway organisations throughout the country who have rebuilt and restored locomotives, rolling stock and re-laid kilometres of their own railway lines,” he states.

It’s this professional experience and knowledge that guarantees the final video/ DVD production. Benbrook and his partner Janet Weir are also New Zealand’s leading independent producers of New Zealand rail related DVDs.

Lindsay and Janet have become the leading producers and distributors of New Zealand rail documentary DVDs with New Zealand Railscene now in its 75th volume. In 2010 Lindsay was contracted to produce a 30 minute DVD for the Taieri Gorge railway based in Dunedin. “It was at this stage that we upgraded our equipment to high definition to meet the needs of our clients.

“At Majik Video Systems we take care of all the stages of your production, from scripting, high definition video recording and creative post production, ensuring your production has standout visibility. Our mission at Majik Video Systems is to deliver a high quality professional product to our clients,” Lindsay says.

During the early years of Majik Video Systems, its main business was recording wedding videos, covering major New Zealand speedway events around the country and undertaking media training seminars. In 1994 Lindsay developed the first New Zealand Railscene video production that has gone on to be a successful railway documentary DVD series.

“I have always had a passion for New Zealand railways - its history, infrastructure, locomotives, rolling stock and the many

“Over the years I have worked closely with Tranz Rail, then Toll Rail and now KiwiRail, covering incidents and events in areas where health and safety could be an issue for other news crews to venture. Janet and I undergo KiwiRail’s safety refresher courses in order for us to undertake the work required.”

This year the countries railway network celebrates 150 years since the first public railway opened between Christchurch and Ferrymead on 1 December 1863. “KiwiRail and Majik Video Systems are working together to ensure this historic moment in New Zealand’s history is prestigiously captured for everyone,” Lindsay says.

In 2004 he was approached by Melanie Rakena from JAM TV to join the small

production team as a camera operator on the 12 part series Off the Rails featuring Marcus Lush.

“My involvement was due to my knowledge of the best scenic locations in New Zealand and to capture the railways in action. At the Qantas Television Awards in 2005, Off the Rails received the Winner Best Director and Best New Zealand Information/Lifestyle Programme award.”

Majik Video Systems’ primary target is clients who need a professional and personal approach to their DVD requirements. “Our goal is to provide a complete package at a cost effective price.

“The key to our business success has been built on our reputation to produce quality productions that reflect our clients’ individual brand and business principles to the highest disciplines accepted for television and DVD production.”

Majik Video Systems offer its clients all stages of its production, from scripting, high definition video recording and creative post production that ensures its product has standout visibility.

Majik Video Systems Lindsay Benbrook and Janet Weir T (09) 416 9214 E enquiries@majikvideo.com — Advertising Feature

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 87

Focus | Whitianga Scallop festival

Scallop fever returns to Whitianga Scallop fever is starting to gain momentum as the countdown is on for one of New Zealand’s most popular seafood events, the Whitianga Scallop Festival.

There will be more than 50 cuisine stands producing mouth watering dishes, along with cooking demonstrations from iconic chefs that will round out another exceptional celebration.

Masterchef contestant Tracey-Lee, who finished in the top four in the 2011 season, along with Hell’s Kitchen runner-up, Bonnie Berkett will be there to provide tips and techniques. They will also be joined by Food in a Minute host Lana Garland and Virginia Lovine, a guest chef on The Good Morning Show.

On September 14 the picturesque Whitianga Harbour will once again come alive with food vendors serving up a variety of succulent scallop dishes to tempt your taste buds.

However, if scallops aren’t your thing then there will be plenty of other tempting foods on offer, such as gourmet burgers and wood fired pizza.

As well as the delicious food, there will also be entertainment from some of the country’s best performers, cooking competitions and demonstrations by celebrity chefs. Whitianga Scallop Festival has become one of New

Zealand’s favourite seafood festivals, famous for its inventive stallholders who each year, come up with fresh new recipes as they try to outdo each other, to gain the coveted title of ‘Best Dish’.

The festival, in its ninth year, is a great day out and a chance to enjoy the many ways scallops can be cooked. A wide range of upmarket cafe’s and restaurants will be highlighting differing techniques as they all serve up authentic Kiwi cuisine, all set in beautiful surroundings. Scallops rank as one of New Zealand’s favourite indulgences, they are cooked up in more ways than you can imagine. Crumbed in macadamia, on pizza, in chardonnay shots – the list is endless.

Ph 0800 477 456

Feast 1st: Thai prawn salad, scallop fritters and specialty sausages.

Goneburger: gourmet burgers such as venison and crispy battered fish.

Liquorice Treats: liquorice, fudge and nougat.

Outside Cuisine: burgers, hot chips and gourmet sandwiches.

Sella Khai: crayfish halves plain or with garlic butter and buttery thyme scallops.

Coromandel Mussel Kitchen: mussel fritters and chowder.

“Excitement about the festival is building as many businesses have signed up for the Best Dressed Shop Front competition. Ticket holders will also have the opportunity to be in fancy dress and prizes will also be awarded for this.”

The official beer at the festival is Boundary Road Brewery, based at the foothills of the Hunua Ranges, south of Auckland. The Brewery is renowned for its interesting and flavoursome beers.

The festival also hand picks a selection of wineries to showcase their wines such as Mills Reef and Hilltop wines.

Long time favourites, Cathedral Cove Macadamias will be back, hoping to take the Best Stand Award for the ninth year in a row.

Its famous macadamia encrusted scallops will once again be on the menu.

“Another exciting stall holder is Mercury Bay Area School, whose home economics students will be serving up scallop and bacon kebabs and sautéed scallops in their shells,” Kettlewell says.

CLEAN, FRESH, CONVENIENT

sales@spiknspan.co.nz | www.spiknspan.co.nz

Blonde Restaurant and Bar: mussel chowder, scallop shots and oysters a la natural.

Scallop Festival co-ordinator, Fiona Kettlewell is hoping this will be the best festival yet. “It is expected that over 100,000 scallops will be shucked and cooked in a myriad of ways.

Cuisine stands will all be situated in purpose built village of marquees.

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Weddings | Festivals Concerts | Sporting Events Fairs | Film & Television

A touch of Aotearoa: paua and whitebait fritters on rewana break and smoked eel.

Started back in 2005, the festival attracts large crowds, so be sure to get in quick and grab yourself a ticket.

Other cuisine highlights for the festival will also include grilled or steamed crayfish, scallops in garlic butter and white wine, tempura scallops with dill, lime and coriander and Dive Zone will be cooking its popular Fog Dog beer battered scallop kebabs.

Events Big or small

Food outlets also include:

Liquorice, Nougat and Fudge at prices to tempt you!

Come and see us for all your Yummy treats. www.whakatane.info/business/liquorice-treats

88 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Tickets are on sale at www.scallopfestival.co.nz and Eventfinder.

Whitianga Scallop festival Fiona Kettlewell – festival co-ordinator T (07) 8671510 E events@whitianga.co.nz www.scallopfestival.co.nz — Advertising Feature

“Don’t delay in getting your tickets as they are selling out fast. Only a limited number of tickets are available and once they are sold, there will be no gate sales on the day of the festival.”

Focus | Ritchies Transport Tours

How Ritchies keeps

Ritchies operates a large fleet of coaches out of Auckland, Christchurch, Rotorua, Blenheim and Queenstown and specialises in providing wholesale services to inbound operators and the transportation needs of tour groups.

There is also a wheel chair capable coach for disabled passengers and their escorts.

Kiwis on the move

Ritchies Transport has been providing bus and coach services throughout New Zealand for more than 70 years. The company is still family owned and offers a wide range of transport services through its fleet of more than 900 vehicles.

Charters Whatever your transport needs, big or small, Ritchies has the ideal solution for you.

Bus and coach services

in the North to Gore in the South, providing services to more than 500 New Zealand schools.

Ritchies Transport delivers the complete bus and coach solution and has a fleet of luxury tour coaches to service inbound tour operators and local charters.

The company works closely with schools and parents to establish the best routes and pick-up points to ensure all students arrive at school, safe, on time and ready to learn.

Its fleet of coaches operates out of Auckland, Christchurch, Rotorua, Blenheim and Queenstown and provides wholesale services to inbound operators and tour groups.

New double-decker buses

• Transport for North and South Island tour groups

Ritches Transport has made transport history in New Zealand with its new double decker buses built for Auckland’s commuter services.

• Cruise ship excursion transportation

The first double-decker Scania bus was built in Malaysia for Ritches and began service in March, with more buses expected to follow. The new 4.25m high, 12.1m long double-decker can take 86 passengers, rather than the 51 carried on a regular bus.

• Incentive groups

It has been introduced on a trial basis on the popular Northern Busway, which passes over the Harbour Bridge and has the advantage of no overhead obstructions.

• School camps and charters.

Its friendly drivers are highly trained and experienced and are a great source of information about New Zealand. Its modern fleet includes many five-star coaches which have a large range of modern features.

Ritchies can provide charter vehicles for sporting events, team-building exercises, overseas corporate guests, tours, company functions or parties.

It has contracts with a number of regional authorities for urban commuter services and has more than 230 buses on the roads in Auckland, Blenheim, Dunedin and Timaru. It is constantly adding to its fleet to cope with the increasing demand being placed on public transport.

Under the Intercity brand, Ritchies provides regular scheduled services between cities and towns across the country. Ritchies is also responsible for providing safe and reliable transport for more than 200 schools throughout New Zealand.

With more than 70 years of service and an outstanding safety record, Ritchies is New Zealand’s most trusted school bus service provider, operating nationwide from Kaikohe

Urban services

Ritchies provides bus and coach transport for:

Ritchies has more than 230 buses on the roads in Auckland, Blenheim, Dunedin and Timaru and is constantly adding to the fleet to cope with the increasing demand being placed on public transport.

• Urban services • School bus services • Charter buses

School bus service With more than 70 years of service and an outstanding safety record, Ritchies is among the most trusted school bus service providers in the country.

• Conferences • Corporate groups • Transport for sports teams

Ritchies Transport 619 Swanson Road Waitakere, Auckland 0612 T (09) 833 6053 www.ritchies.co.nz

• Cultural groups • Church events

— Advertising Feature

The new bus is a trial but Ritchies director Andrew Ritchie expects it will be a success and Aucklanders will be able to see more double deckers on the Northern Busway.

“The double decker is a pleasant experience for passengers, people like riding them and the bus drivers also like them,” he says.

Auckland Transport chairman Lester Levy says “This is a welcome addition to Auckland’s public transport landscape. Double-decker buses have the potential to increase capacity on some of our busiest routes without putting extra buses on our already busy roads.

Proud to be associated with Ritchies Transport.

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 89

Focus | Bill Holden Design and Landscape

Focus | Explorer Tours

For the explorer in all of us If there’s anyone who understands the value of travelling safely, efficiently, in comfort and in style, then it’s Darryl Cooper, owner and director of Explorer Tours.

It was Darryl’s experiences travelling around Europe which encouraged him to set up his specialist coach and bus hire company Explorer Tours.

Offering coach, bus and van hire options, Explorer Tours was established in 2001 as a small, part time business in the central North Island, until it moved permanently to Auckland in 2003.

It has since expanded every year to now include 10 buses and coaches, a rental fleet along with six full time equivalent staff plus casuals and a workshop in Mount Wellington.

“Our approach is simple… make it happen.

Customers often come to us with little detail of what they need and then their requirements can change without notice. In an SME, being flexible and quick to react is a trait our loyal customers much appreciate,” Darryl says.

“In this business the ability to drive a bus simply isn’t enough.”

Explorer Tours is the first bus company to provide onboard mobile internet and all vehicles are modern, comfortable, regularly maintained and serviced, reliable and is sealed with a stamp of approval by Qualmark. So you’re guaranteed to be in safe hands.

During the 18 month lead up to the Rugby World Cup 2011, Darryl and his team custombuilt two vehicles, one 12 seat Mercedes luxury mini-bus and the other a 19 seat Luxury Mitsubishi. The vehicles are equipped them with full leather reclining seating, DVD players and sound systems. However, they cannot be purchased as built from a dealer.

Designs for life

or long distance journeys from Auckland to as far down as Christchurch, Darryl and his team strive to keep customers happy.

“Consistency and personal attention is the key.

Often there is a fine balance between too small and too big; too small and a business simply cannot keep up with customer’s requirement, too big and the personal touch is lost. I like to think we have it just right,” Darryl says.

Far from being just about making a garden look pretty, landscape design involves finding that fine line between both form and function and is clearly something Bill Holden excels at.

Involved in the landscape design industry for more than 25 years, Bill has achieved “Transport business in New Zealand is deaward winning status for his work both at the regulated and very competitive, this means almost anyone can buy a bus, get the Landscaping New Zealand National Awards appropriate licences and become a bus operator. and the Ellerslie International Flower Show, where he has also judged.

“Unfortunately, often these operators simply don’t make the grade, are under capitalised or A long standing member of Landscaping NZ don’t hire the right staff and customers are left (LIANZ), and president from 2008-2010, he has waiting which is most unfortunate and has led designed and built projects in Auckland, the to a certain amount of distrust within Waikato and the Bay of Plenty regions. If that the industry. wasn’t enough, in 2008 he was awarded a “I chose to keep things tight and offer a noDistinguished Service Award for his service to surprises service, my business history spans over the industry.

12 years in the industry and still have the same Today he lives at Snell’s Beach where he customers from the very beginning.” operates design, project management and With a successful company in tow, Darryl plant brokerage business, Bill Holden Design is venturing into the boutique hotel and Landscape, where he is on hand to accommodation sector with plans to build a advise clients about design aspects and purpose-built motor lodge, with construction material selection. due to proceed later this year.

Bill is able to visit your site, listen to your wishes and needs, identify all the relevant Explorer Tours site factors and proceed to draw a sketch plan PO Box 12059 of your new garden with you, all for just a Penrose small fee. He can then quote for drawing up Auckland more detailed plans which will enable you to T (09) 5800 014 accurately secure quotes from contractors. www.explorertours.net.nz

Bill Holden Design and Landscaping services: • Onsite consultations and sketch plans • Plans and specifications to any level of detail - engineering if required • Produce 3D CAD drawings on request, enabling ‘walk-throughs’ for better visualisation • Documentation for resource consent and permit applications • Estimates and quotes arranged from reliable contractors • Full project management service to ensure top results • Residential property development and house concepts • Plant brokerage, supply and placement service.

Bill Holden Design and Landscape 413 Mahurangi East Road Snell’s Beach T (09) 425 4009 M 027 224 8797 E info@designandlandscape.co.nz www.designandlandscape.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

— Advertising Feature

“Customers are still re-booking those vehicles which have proven very popular with specialist small group touring and corporate travel.”

Travellers and corporate groups can rely on Explorer Tours to deliver a quality service to and from your destination. For all your small trips around Auckland, last minute bus hire for short

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90 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Goods & Services | Koha Stones

Set in stone It takes a special kind of person to carve out a headstone for someone who has passed away.

And while Rhys Lloyd is the last person to admit he is special, he certainly has just the right touch in this very special job.

Creating the perfect headstone is something that takes both skills, with the hands to create a beautiful image, and a sense of compassion as you translate into stone and wood, the words of grieving clientele.

In his blood It is a skill Rhys picked up as a young lad, watching his Dad carving with nothing more than a number eight wire. This love of intricate carving stayed with Rhys throughout his career in the army where he met numerous other carvers from a range of cultural backgrounds.

“I met an Irish man, who had experience restoring a lot of old architecture such as castles and old churches. He helped me out and developed my carving skills.

“Then there was an elderly chap that I met, Jock McEwan, who was a Scotsman, he taught me a lot of different styles of Maori carving.

He shared with me his stories and his knowledge.

“Life taught me it [how to carve] really,” Rhys says.

Under the banner of his South-Auckland-based business, Koha Stones, Rhys has found the balance of this art; making a living carving out In the beginning the headstones that will commemorate the Eventually Rhys decided to turn his love for life of one lost. the art form into a way of living. He bought a It is the way Rhys uses both his love for his bag of cement, transformed it into a stock of art, his skill with a chisel or knife and his headstones and the rest was history. passion for people in his daily work, that His intricate skilled carvings were seen by makes him stand out from the rest. many in his community who spread the news “It is the way that I express myself.” of his ability via word of mouth.

Not for the money Rhys says it is not the thought of a sale that drives him to get the job done well – it is the people. “The headstones are just a side issue”.

“It is the people who are important. It is the personal side of the job that is important to me. I want to be there for these people in their time of loss; they are often grieving, broken, lost and suffering. The sense of loss for their loved one is something that can continue on for a long time.

Today Rhys has a steady client base coming through his doors on a regular basis. But he has no intention to bring on any more staff.

“It’s just me I plod along on my lonesome, using my skills as a carver.”

After all it is his skill that has turned Koha Stones into the successful business that it is today.

“I try to make there time here with me a time where they can unload and hopefully leave a little bit lighter.”

Rhys listens to those grieving describe their loved one and transcribes their message into stone or wood. Nothing is too hard for Rhys and his chisel.

He has carved the image of a spanner, into stone, for someone who lived life as a mechanic, an eagle for someone strong and free even headstones decorated with the more intricate style of Maori carving.

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Koha Stones Ltd Unit G, 17 Vernon street Papakura 2110, Auckland T (09) 299 5086 E kohastones@quicksilver.net.nz — Advertising Feature

• Customs Clearance • Documentation • Tariff Consultants

Proudly associated with Koha Stones AK 475 9873

Fax 07 476 3914

TGA 07-5799942 Fax 07 579 9943

49A Arrenway Drive, Albany E: info@sourcecustoms.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 91

Transport & Motoring | Auckland Panel and Paint

The team to get you back on track Auckland Panel and Paint Group Limited is leading New Zealand’s collision repairs industry through its commitment to quality systems and top customer service.

The company has been repairing vehicles for 60 years and has the largest collision repair shop in New Zealand.

“We don’t cut any corners; we make the whole process easy in terms of dealing with us,” he says.

Focus on quality and service

“During the repair process we’ll text the customer every couple of days and tell them if the job is on track or if there are any parts delays or issues that will alter the time it will be ready.”

Auckland Panel and Paint is committed to offering the highest quality service on every vehicle it repairs at both its Onehunga and central Auckland repair centres.

The company offers a turnkey service for crash repairs and prides itself on a quick turn around on every job.

Managing director Bob Boniface says Auckland Panel and Paint repairs cars back to their original manufacturers’ specifications, meaning drivers will be just as protected as they would if the car was new.

Auckland Panel and Paint is also at the forefront of the industry with its quality and quality assurance programmes, Bob says.

Both repair centres hold Collision Repair Association quality-assurance accreditation, which only a handful of shops throughout the country have achieved.

In 2008 its Onehunga facility was named CRA shop of the year.

The team at Auckland Panel and Paint sets the benchmark for customer service in the collision repair industry, including: • Fast experience • Dedicated, friendly and professional

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Auckland Panel and Paint’s city repair centre.

World-class repair centres Auckland Panel and Paint operates two modern, fully equipped workshops. Its principal facility in Victoria Street, Onehunga, was established in 2002 and is comparable with the best in the world.

Boniface says the state of the art facility houses the best equipment in the industry and is the largest facility of its type in New Zealand.

The Onehunga centre is a huge purposebuilt shop designed in the mould of Europe’s finest collision repair centres. Each technician has plenty of room and all the necessary equipment. Cars carry a barcoded job sheet prescribing every detailed task to be undertaken by each technician.

This ultimately creates an environment of healthy competition where everyone is

determined to hand his work on to the next process in perfect condition; each technician is allowed five minutes to check his work before the job is handed to the next expert. The result is a perfect job from start to finish.

The Onehunga centre houses 30 work bays, four speed jibs, two drive-through draft spray booths, five Festo dustless sanding machines, a down draft primer booth, a Celette chassis machine, a computerised electronic measuring system, the latest liquid-cooled inverter welder and an environmentally approved wash bay.

Auckland Panel and Paint’s city branch in Cook Street is ideally located for city-based executives who require a repair centre within easy walking distance of the CBD. The branch also incorporates the latest technologies and methodologies and employs a highly motivated team.

• Personalised guidance and one on one advice • Committed to excellence • Obvious team work

CONSULTATIONS, REMOTE SUPPORT REMOTE MONITORING, WEB DESIGN CLOUD SERVICES, VIRUS PROTECTION DOMAIN NAMES, SERVICE CONTRACTS

• Cohesive workflow.

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The main repair area at Auckland Panel and Paint in Onehunga.

Come and find out what makes ALBANY TOYOTA different from the rest.

Our dealership not only has the complete range of new passenger and commercial Toyotas, but a large selection of Signature, SBT and Used Vehicles, spanning over 3 sites in Albany Village.

Corner Main Road & Gills Road Albany

Congratulations to Auckland Panel & Paint on their 60th Anniversary Ph: (09) 415 7890 | Fax: (09) 415 7893 Email: cars@albany-toyota.co.nz | www.albany-toyota.co.nz

Automotive Refinish Technology are proud to supply

Auckland Panel & Paint with Glasurit Automotive Refinish Paint Systems (Leading car paint technology from Germany)

We congratulate them on their 60th Anniversary 92 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Transport & Motoring | Auckland Panel and Paint

Auckland Panel and Repair is committed to quality and operates • Full quality system • Five-minute checking rule on each process • Water cased environmentally friendly paint systems • Five-year guarantee • Staff training in advanced techniques • Quality meetings • ACC accredited system • Environmental reference site regarding recycling and disposal • Regular staff health checks.

Auckland Panel and Paint operates a world-class crash repair facility in Onehunga.

“

During the repair process we’ll text the customer every couple of days and tell them if the job is on track or if there are any parts delays or issues that will alter the time it will be ready

”

- MANAGING DIRECTOR BOB BONIFACE

A professional team Auckland Panel and Paint is also at the forefront of the industry with its quality and quality assurance programmes.

Auckland Panel and Paint Group is committed to staff training and improving its efficiencies and service to customers. The company’s staff is dedicated, friendly and professional, taking a genuine interest in the industry.

Bob Boniface is the immediate past president of the Auckland Collision Repair Association and is a director of the Motor Trade Association. “I take the job further than just the shop; I’m involved in trying to take the industry forward,” he says.

This commitment to the industry is reflected in the way Auckland Panel and Paint is operated, with no expense spared on staff training. Since its formation in the early 1950s the company has continued to strive to be the best in the industry and now sets the benchmark high.

Auckland Panel and Paint operates two continuous paint booths at its Onehunga repair centre.

“We continue to train staff and we’re proud that just about every year we have some people in the finals of the CRA apprenticeship awards,” he says.

The collision repair industry has been through difficult times in recent years. “People are crashing their cars a lot less, so we’ve had to be absolutely efficient in our operation and focused on customer service and being predictable,” he says.

“When you have a crash you have a lot of worries, so you don’t want to have to worry about your car.”

Auckland Panel and Paint Group Limited 35 Victoria Street Onehunga Auckland T (09) 636 5463 E reception@aucklandpanel.co.nz 115 Cook Street Auckland CBD T (09) 358 0089 E city@aucklandpanel.co.nz www.aucklandpanel.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Congratulations to Auckland Panel & Paint on 60 years in business

FOR NEW ZEALAND’S BIGGEST FORD & MAZDA PARTS SPECIALISTS EMAIL: parts@southaucklandmotors.co.nz Parts Direct Phone: (09) 261 1290 Parts Direct Fax: (09) 262 2748

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 93

Transport & Motoring | Freight Lines

Freight Lines marks a half century Half a century ago the Barker and Dow families formed Otorohanga Transport Ltd. Now, their efforts to found a livestock logistics company have evolved into one of New Zealand’s most recognised freighting names – Freight Lines Ltd. The logistics industry is pivotal to New Zealand businesses and relies heavily on the competence and professionalism of a handful of trusted names. Freight Lines certainly offers longevity in abundance and the company’s 50 year milestone is another feather in the cap of the family owned and operated business.

Despite the rapid growth of the company, which now has more than 300 vehicles on the road and numerous depots country wide, the mantra has always resounded well with customers.

“To provide quality transport solutions for businesses nationwide through a friendly, can-do philosophy,” the company says.

Being customer orientated and cost effective are two key aspects of any business aiming to grow and retain a loyal customer base. The key to successful logistics depends on delivery and Freight Lines looks to deliver not only the goods, but equally on its promises to customers.

Proud to be a New Zealand owned and operated business, Freight Lines’ half century milestone represents a constant expansion from its humble beginnings in 1963. Jim Barker, whose family still has an active involvement in the company, was one of the founding members 50 years ago and the group of companies under his name now includes Freight Lines Ltd, Te Kauwahata Transport, Stock Lines Ltd and Strait Shipping Ltd. The multi-faceted Freight Lines now offers clients total transport solutions from line haul, bulk and general freight between the North and South islands. With the appropriate fleet to transport almost any load, this iconic Kiwi company keeps all manner of New Zealand business moving smoothly.

94 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Freight Lines depots • Auckland • Nelson

• Bay of Plenty • Rangiriri

• Christchurch • Tirau

• Otorohanga • Wellington.

Transport & Motoring | Freight Lines growth and opportunities have been identified.”

As the emergence of Freight Lines’ multidimensional services becomes more appealing to the customer, Raymond insists it’s the people behind the business that have brought success to the forefront.

obstacle through market research and the eventual purchase of the Straitsman – thus forming Strait Shipping Ltd. Jim’s vision to encompass all aspects of freight, line haul, bulk and general cargo, led to the founding of the amalgamated Freight Lines in 1993 with his son Peter.

“The secret to any successful business is to have great people offering an outstanding service and grasping opportunities as they present themselves.”

Not content with merely transporting cargo and livestock across the Cook Strait, Jim and his team introduced a passenger ferry service, Bluebridge.

The expansion of Freight Lines has been a marker of its down to earth, customer focussed approach that still lives on today.

Raymond states proudly that the company has experienced large growth yet remains decidedly grounded.

Restructuring was the next step for Jim as the Otorohanga Transport Group then grew to encompass Freight Lines Ltd, Stock Lines Ltd and Strait Shipping Ltd. Freight Lines, has morphed into one of the largest freight companies in New Zealand, while still remaining a family affair.

Jim and his wife Bev, along with three children Peter, Maree and Sheryl, actively involve themselves in different areas of the business.

“We still maintain the same values and cando attitude. We are still running as a family business and given our current size, we have avoided slipping into the corporate world and pride ourselves on customers still being able to have easy access and interaction with the family or senior management when required.”

Jim Barker inducted into the transport hall of fame

Fleet and service

(inter-island). Where possible, the service can be even quicker and overnight delivery to Christchurch via the Super Bullet service can truly speed Operating with a fleet in excess of 300 units, Freight Lines has the right tools for its trade. The up any inter-island shipment. end-to-end, north to south capability is made possible due to the company’s inherent link to A word from the CEO Strait Shipping – a direct bridge across the Cook Strait.

Barry Raymond, CEO of Freight Lines, believes Freight Lines includes a wide range of company the company’s success and longevity is due to owned vehicles, owner drivers and sub-contrac- its dynamic approach to the freight industry and tors to make sure every angle is covered for its being able to grow through acquisition. “During customers. Whether the load is bulk cartage, a tough economic period, where other compaindividual items, palletised freight or refrigerated nies battened down the hatches, Freight Lines transportation, Freight Lines has the diversity of has continued to look forward and not let the fleet to provide a service to suit. grass grow under its feet.

With vehicles moving continuously within both islands, Freight Lines offer general guidelines of delivery times that range from next business day (intra-island) and two business days

Jim Barker, one of the founding members of the Otorohanga Transport Ltd Group, was inducted into the NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame in 2012. The hall of fame honours those who have contributed greatly to the New Zealand Road Transport Industry and Jim Barker has certainly earned that accolade. Jim was in fact the first inductee into the hall of fame at an industry event held in Invercargill, September 2012.

About Jim Barker In 1963 Jim and his brother in law Dennis Dow purchased Whittington Perry Ltd, a small transport company in Otorohanga and renamed it Otorohanga Transport Ltd (OTL). The company originally cost 3000 pounds ($6000) and was turning over about 7000 pounds ($14,000) a year. In 1963 when they bought the business trucks were only allowed to cart 40 miles against the rail.

Jims’s story is of one of obstacles presenting themselves as opportunities, one of the very morals Freight Lines prides itself on today.

“Over the last 12 months Freight Lines has acquired a number of companies, adding a In 1992 Jim Barker and his partners experienced further 100 units to the fleet. This has seen issues with peak herd season transport across Freight Lines establish a presence in areas where the Cook Strait. They reacted by hurdling the

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E. stevegordon@yale.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 95

Transport & Motoring | Freight Lines The next 50 years As with any successful company, a milestone marks the past and instigates plans for the future. Freight Lines has a track record of analysing the market to provide information that can be utilised in the company’s favour and the recent move to Tauranga was an example of that decisive strategy.

By acquiring Eagle Transport (based in Taurikoon State Highway 29), Freight Lines can now base itself closer to the Port of Tauranga; a port currently undergoing a large expansion.

Freight Lines will continue to grow as a company, as a group and as a brand recognised on our roads and waters. The model of growth by acquisition is typical of large company with even larger aspirations.

Freight Lines CEO Barry Raymond says the company’s ambition is to diversify its market offering. “For the majority of the past 50 years we have been a specialist transport company moving bulk loads from door to door however, over the last few years, we have built a freight forwarding arm that is growing week by week.

“This service offers delivery from Cape Reinga to Bluff. We can now offer a service that can move anything from a full truck and trailer load right down to a shoe box.”

The ability to adapt to the growing needs and wants of the customer has set Freight Lines apart and with many customers still enjoying a lengthy working relationship with the company, it’s easy to see how the future will bode well for a company that certainly keeps its ear to the ground.

“Freight Lines does not sell an out of the box service package and have identified that everyone has their own individual needs - we try to accommodate and build a service that suits their requirements,” Barry says

96 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Transport & Motoring | Freight Lines New Zealand owned and proud of it The logistics industry has had its fair share of overseas investors looking to profit on the ability to transport goods from A to B in our mountainous country.

With rail being limited due to our infrastructure’s limitations and geography, and aviation’s expense, it has been noted that freight companies in New Zealand present a sound investment for foreign money. Freight Lines however, is a family company and totally New Zealand owned, a fact Barry Raymond is intensely proud of.

“We are 100 percent New Zealand owned and we still operate as a family business with family values and morals. We have a strong focus on customer satisfaction and we pride ourselves on being very easy to do business with.”

During the celebratory 50 year anniversary, Freight Lines decided to have a gathering of past and present employees and customers which ran over the entire Easter weekend.

Staying true the company values, they looked after their own even in their moment of glory when others may have basked in self-gratification.

What’s in the fleet?

• Curtainsiders • Flat decks • Drop side tippers • Refrigerated units • Tippers (also known as bath-tubs) • Tankers • Tipping curtain siders • Quad units (for longer items).

Keeping the family side of the business focussed on morality and a strong value system is often something lost in growth, yet Freight Lines wants to emphasise this point as one of its greatest achievements - to have become big yet still act small.

The Barker Transport group now has Freight Lines depots in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Nelson, Tauranga and Tirau and livestock depots in Feilding, Otorohanga and Blenheim as well as freight and passenger shipping terminals in Wellington and Picton.

Otorohanga Transport Limited and Lime Haulage Ltd are now owned and operated by the Dow family and separated from the Barker Group.

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 97

Transport & Motoring | Freight Lines Mission statement Companies in the group Bluebridge Ferries Bluebridge Ferries serves as one of the two providers of passenger ferries across the Cook Strait. It currently has two ferries, the Santa Regina and the Straitsman, that make up to four sailings per day. These ferries can hold up to 400 passengers plus cars and trucks.

Strait Shipping Founded in 1992, Strait Shipping operates freight services between the North and South Islands. New Zealand owned and operated, Strait Shipping has a proven track record delivering freight efficiently and economically between the ports of Picton and Wellington.

Stock Lines Stock Lines has bases in Fielding, Blenheim and Ashburton. The company carts livestock country wide, to and from farms, sale yards and meat processing works.

Te Kauwhata Transport The core of Te Kauwhata Transport is focused on the line haul and metro distribution. The company principally operates in the ‘golden triangle’ of Auckland, Waikato, and the BOP, as well as the rest of the North Island on a daily basis.

“To provide quality transport solutions for businesses nationwide through a friendly, cando philosophy.” The mission statement for Freight Lines has been solidly upheld during the past 50 years and now the company will seek to adhere to it for the next 50 years. It is bred from the ambition and dedication of the Barker and Dow families five decades ago and reflected in the vast array of dimensions the company possesses to this day. “We serve the needs of our customers by taking the time to understand their business and by tailoring a service to meet their requirements,” Peter Barker says.

Moving forward Growing from the seedling of the Otorohanga Transport Group to the Jim Barker Group of Companies, the half century has been a testing innings for the transportation company, but Freight Lines will bat on.

Overcoming issues with transport across Cook Strait through initiative and weathering a few trying economic storms, there is a certain tenacity that accompanies Freight Lines’ growth, a tenacity that has seen the company acquire competitors and march toward market dominance.

The recognisable green trucks are proudly emblazoned with the outline of New Zealand behind the bold letters reading ‘Freight Lines – North and South Island Freight’.

The Freight Lines fleet and company logo wears the outline of our country like a badge

of honour. As a nation, I’m sure we will all be proud to see ‘one of our own’ reach a remarkable milestone, built on a strong moral foundation – here’s to the next 50 years of Freight Lines.

CONGRATULATIONS TO FREIGHT LINES LTD ON THEIR 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY.

1

It is with pleasure that Tauranga Canvas continues to supply Freight lines with specialised quality PVC curtainsides, tarpaulins and bulk bin covers proudly manufactured by us at our purpose built facility at Mount Maunganui. We thank Freight lines for the support they have shown us since 1993 and look forward to servicing their future needs for many years to come.

1 Tauranga Canvas has extensive experience in the manufacture and fitting of roll up,

rollover, elliptical and sliding cover systems for truck and trailers. We offer fast and efficient fabrication of covers using industry leading equipment and quality materials.

2 Tauranga Canvas can manufacture tarpaulins to suit any requirements.

We offer: • a variety of fabrics and colours • welded waterproof seams • double stitched seams where required • reefers where required.

2

3 Our range of freight, insulated, super insulated and chipliner curtainsides are suitable for

all types of rigid truck and trailer units. We import our own heavy duty 900gsm polymar direct from Germany in a wide variety of colours. Tauranga Canvas uses only the best ‘user friendly’ components on Freight lines units.

Ph. 0800 482 777 | www.tarps.co.nz

98 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Freight Lines Ltd 40 Main North Road Otorohanga T (07) 873 4100 www.freightlines.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Transport & Motoring | The Gearbox Factory

The team to get you into gear The Gearbox Factory in Auckland can meet all your gearbox and transmission needs, offering a complete repair, rebuild and maintenance service.

The company has fully equipped workshops in East Tamaki and Henderson, offering a full range of automatic transmission, manual gearbox and differential services for every make and model of vehicle.

Formed in 1974 and today owned by Keith Lane, who bought it in 1988, it now employs a team of skilled technicians who have rebuilt, repaired and serviced hundreds of thousands of automatic trsndmissions, manual, transmissions, differential units, 4WD units and torque converters.

Because of its size, the company also has various in-house specialists with the resources and knowledge to work on any vehicle.

The Gearbox Factory also has its own parts company, Ash Transmission Parts, which imports gearbox and transmission components, ensuring a reliable supply of premium quality parts is always available.

The Gearbox Factory in East Tamaki.

The performance car specialists The Gearbox Factory is renowned for its work with performance, race and kit cars, with customers including: Shane Wigston - CMC Holden HQ Paul Manuell - Orix Holden up to 2013 Clark Hopkins - CMC Holden Torana Clarke Procter - 73 Escort.

The Gearbox Factory is the only approved Keith says its customer base consists of gearbox repairer of the NZv8 Ute series. private customers, as well as trade customers, with the business receiving a lot of work and Keith is a performance and sports car fanatic referrals from general automotive garages. and has owned a variety of traditional sports cars. He is onto his third AC Cobra “We can do it all and we have a very good replica - the latest one a supercharged 680hp reputation from Whangarei to Invercargill.”

Daytona Coupe replica which was built to The Gearbox Factory is one of New Zealand’s showcase the GBF drive train, including largest and most knowledgeable transmission custom TK0600 gearbox,McLeod twin plate specialists and is a preferred supplier to clutch and Quaife limited slip differential. the insurance industry and main agent workshops, throughout the country.

A senior technician using a diagnostic scan tool on a Mitsubishi.

An automatic technician rebuilding a ZF transmission out of a BMW

The Gearbox Factory 68 Greenmount Drive East Tamaki T (09) 274 8340 Freephone 0800 443 272 E thegearboxfactory@quicksilver.net.nz — Advertising Feature

Repairs, rebuilds and servicing The Gearbox Factory undertakes a range of key maintenance work, including diagnostics, oil checks, automatic and manual gearbox service and assessment.

The company is continually upgrading its electronic diagnostic equipment to ensure it stays at the forefront of the rapidly changing automotive industry. The business repairs and rebuilds automatic, manual transmissions, gearboxes and differentials.

Strict procedures and check lists, ensure every transmission that goes through the workshop is in top working order before the vehicle is released back to its owner.

Due to the complexity and technical aspects of modern transmissions, the company’s technicians are trained internally and attend national and international training seminars.

Ash Transmission Parts SUPPLYING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARTS TO THE TRANSMISSION INDUSTRY. 68 Greenmount Drive, East Tamaki, Auckland Phone. 0800 800 701 | 09 274 1110 Email. ash-trans@clear.net.nz

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It’s a Jungle out there!

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68 Greenmount Drive, East Tamaki Auckland Ph: 09) 274 8340 Fax: 09) 274 6602 9E Moselle Avenue, Henderson, Auckland Ph: 09) 837 7666 Fax: 09) 837 7166

www.gearboxfactory.co.nz

Freephone 0800 443 272

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz September/October 2013 99

Land For Sale – Fantastic location 818 Colombo Street Section

BUILD YOUR NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDING in CENTRAL CITY MIXED USE ZONING

Land Owner

818 Colombo Street, Christchurch

Gary Collins

Consent approved to establish a mixed use (retail/hospitality and office) development.

Preliminary plans prepared proposing car parking on the eastern half of the site and a new four level building on the western side of the site adjacent to Colombo Street.

At present retail and/or food and beverage activities are proposed at ground floor level with office activity on the upper floor levels.

M 021 742 344

- UP TO 16 CARPARKS - Possible to build 4 levels, approx 2200m – 3 office and 1 retail - Total building floor area 2200m2 - On site rear car parking - Architectural concept plans available from well regarded M.A.P Architects - Land 1012m - Asking price $2 million dollars.

been seen

Images taken and supplied

by Annie Scott Williams If you have an event that you’d like covered, email Annie (Auckland’s been seen representative) on: annie@academy.net.nz

The people, their faces and all the right places - Auckland

Glengarrys Malt Club launch of Tullibardine Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 1. Group just settling in for the evening 2. Piper Kerry 3. Tullibardine 1

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Ladies Lunch Counties Racing Club 1. Robyn, Natasha, Judy, Mary, Michelle 2. Sheryl and Julie 3. Kelly, Emma, Marie, Clea 4. Nina Crawford 5. Peggy Carr 6. Carylln Cheyne 7. MC Mark Ball & Liz Hicks from Preview 8. Best Dressed Lynne Alexander 9. Lou Nowell and Jillian from Michael Hill Jewellers Pukekohe 10. Ladies In Fashion Parade

Ray White City Apartments

Ray White’s No.1 New Zealand Office 2011 & 2012 102 September/October 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

2 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD | 09 308 5555 | City Realty Ltd (REAA 2008)

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Paihia Beach Resort & Spa

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We accept Bartercard subject to certain conditions and availablility.

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