Auckland Today Magazine Issue 118

Issue 118 | June/July 2016

4 KEYS

FOR BETTER SALES LEADS

MARK POWELL

THE FORMER WAREHOUSE CEO’S RECIPE FOR RETAIL SUCCESS

ITM TURNS 25 The making of a household name

WAYS TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING 5 things good leaders never say

DIGITAL AMNESIA

How the Internet is killing our memory

Simple tricks to break bad habits

The art of selling RETAIL HIGH FLYER SHARES HER SECRETS

News | Initiatives | Interviews | Personalities | Success | Profiles | Finance | Property | Sustainability | Export | Transport | Retail | Solutions | ISSN 1173-1508

MAKE YOUR MARK WITH ONFORM SIGNS

Signs, we see hundreds of them every day on buildings, billboards, vehicles and more.

To stand out from the crowd you can’t settle for an ordinary sign, you need the extraordinary - an eyecatching sign that grabs your audience’s attention and leaves a lasting impression.

Onform Signs is an award winning signage company that doesn’t just build signs, it builds brands.

It can create any type of sign to direct customers to you, or inform potential clients of your products and services.

Some of its key clients across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific have grown exponentially with the help of Onform Signs’ eye-catching signage.

It uses a simple approach and knows what its clients want; a cost effective complete signage solution that’s easy to manage and right the first time.

And it delivers exactly that.

Simply choose the services you need or a fully project managed experience from concept to completion – it’s your call.

The process is quick and easy. The Onform Signs team starts by discussing your unique requirements, designs signage and brand solutions, and then refines the requirements to suit the environment, budget and any other constraints.

Finally it manufactures, delivers and installs signage to wherever you are in the country.

Many of its clients are large, national retailers. They choose Onform Signs because it consistently solves their problems, saves them time, saves them money and serves their needs.

ROLL-OUT You’re in a safe pair of hands when it comes implementing a multi-site rebranding roll-out.

A national roll-out of new signage demands consultation, planning and preparation to execute properly.

promote products and services. Digital billboards; off-premise LED displays utilised as outdoor advertising. And stadium displays; sourced from the USA, they are complex large scale displays offering unsurpassed clarity and colour accuracy.

ONGOING COMMITMENT

Onform Signs has the experience and knowledge to execute a large scale roll-out and has a solid track record for great communication, prompt delivery and clean installations.

Its commitment to its clients doesn’t stop when signage is safely installed, because it understands that for signage to be effective throughout its lifespan, it needs regular maintenance.

It can either work direct for the end-client, or through a construction company. It has worked in most of the major malls, knows their requirements, and will meet all of the healthy and safety standards.

That is why Onform Signs offers maintenance packages providing service for the lifecycle of the sign. It includes prompt and comprehensive sign maintenance strategies to keep your brand looking its best.

SAFETY FIRST Onform Signs is a proud member of Site Safe to assure its clients total peace of mind when working onsite. Its production and project management staff all hold a Site Safe Passport as a minimum requirement.

At the helm of the Onform Signs health and safety team is its general manager, Mark Gordon. He is a Gold holder with Site Safe.

Also on the team are several members trained in first aid, plus other qualifications including electrical tickets, elevated work platform training, scaffold training, at height training and more. It owns the majority of its installation equipment required for installations and ensures all of its tools are regularly checked for safety and are tagged as required.

DIGITAL DISPLAYS Digital signage is an incredibly effective, low cost, low maintenance tool that has been proven to motivate customers to take action.

With digital signage, be it LED, LCD or other, you have a canvas to show a variety of content. Onform Signs can deliver digital displays that effectively inform your audience and even entertain them.

The once revolutionary signage method is now the norm. So if you don’t have digital signage, it’s time to get onboard.

Onform Signs offers three digital display options.

Message displays; on-premise computer programmed LED signs specifically designed to

Lifecycle services include: • Emergency response and make-safe service for damaged signage • Single event repairs due to vandalism, graffiti, storm or accidental damage • Refurbishment of ageing signs including cleaning, polishing and re-lamping • Scheduled maintenance programs • Night audits to check illumination • Warranty management.

AT A GLANCE Onform Signs can supply internal and external signage for businesses ranging from small boutique stores to large scale outdoor signs. Not every possible sign it makes is listed, but you start to get the idea.

• Building signs for indoor or outdoor • Illuminated signs • Fascia signs • Roadside • Window graphics • Frosting

• Directory boards • 3D signs • Safety signs • Mobile & static billboards • Sky signs • Crane signs • Real estate.

8

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News

Viewpoints AUCKLAND TODAY | ISSUE 118 JUNE 2016 HEAD OFFICE

AUCKLAND OFFICE

2 Ivan Jamieson Place Christchurch Airport Christchurch 8053

Level 6 10 Scotia Place Auckland

MANAGING DIRECTOR Gary Collins

GENERAL MANAGER OF OPERATIONS Kylie Palermo

NATIONAL SALES & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Clive Greenwood

ADMINISTRATION Stacey Coy Angela Barltrop Laura McLoed Anneka Te Whetu Lyn Wright Joanne Pritchard Phone: (03) 961 5050 Fax: 0800 555 054 Email: admin@academy.net.nz

SALES & ADVERTISING Grant Williams Chris Graves Mariska Du Preez Andrew Greenough Tina Aiono Jane Watson

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Phone: (03) 961 5176 Email: sales@academy.net.nz

NEWSROOM Jonathon Taylor EDITOR Laura Baker JOURNALISTS Lydia Truesdale Marie Sherry Phone: (03) 961 5098 Email: editor@academy.net.nz

PRODUCTION Jarred Shakespeare ART DIRECTOR Carolynne Brown PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Sarah Betman DESIGNERS Olivia O'Callaghan Georgia Due Phone: (03) 961 5077 | 0800 555 097 Email: production@academy.net.nz

Scan this QR code to check us out at:

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Pages 9-17

Pages 6-8 6 | The PM’s desk John Key on the projects streamlining Auckland’s transport infrastructure

9 | Turn up and turn on How to hit the ground running each and every day

6 | Generating sales leads Kevin Vincent’s effective lead generation systems

9 | Breaking bad habits Five ways to free yourself from the things you wish you didn’t do

6 | Workplace diversity means inclusion Debra Buckley advocates diversity within any organisation

10 | The benefits of blogging When it comes to marketing, blogging might not even register in your head - but it should

7 | Investors need more Spock, less caveman Cameron Watson says a cool, clear head trumps reactionary instincts every time

11 | Five things good leaders never say Damaging phrases you shouldn’t say… even if you want to

7 | Bankers’ language Martz Witty outlines what your banker wants to know, and why 7 | Is franchising right for you?

If expansion’s on your horizon, then Richard O’Brien says franchising might be the answer you’re looking for 8 | The hidden enemy in the office Jane Cowan-Harris says if you want a healthier business, then aim for healthier people 8 | Is it time to call the professionals?

If you set-up an AdWords campaign with no experience, you’re probably throwing money away

19

11 | Five alternatives to meetings Simple solutions to boring boardroom rants 12 | Digital amnesia How the Internet is killing our memory 14 | Mark Powell The Warehouse Group’s former CEO on how he brought the Red Sheds back from the brink and his recipe for retail success 16 | The art of selling Retail high flyer shares her secrets to success 17 | Lifestyles Everything from gadgets and gizmos to hat stands and baubles

8 | Events diary This is where you find out what’s on near you

In Business Pages 13-60

13 | Corporate Destinations Let Destination Rotorua’s dedicated Business Events Team help you plan a corporate getaway, event or conference in New Zealand’s coolest hotspot 19 | ITM turns 25 For a quarter of a century, ITM has not only survived, but thrived in an industry traditionally known for its intensely competitive nature 29 | Focus Allied Concrete, Randwick Park Pavilion, Auto Super Shoppes, Electrics Afloat, Safeworx, Age Concern and Friendship House 46 | Logistics How Storepro’s effective storage solutions make daily commercial operations that much easier 48 | Hospitality Discover Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist at Cassia Restaurant 50 | Property & Construction Henderson Demolition, Precision Construction, Pacific Engineering Projects, Concrete Specialists, Panel Prop and Adroit Builders 58 | Contracting Choosing the right plumber to tackle any project is an important decision, but with South Auckland Plumbing you’re in good hands 60 | Transport & Motoring Dr Diesel, Mackenzie Transport and Albany Toyota marks a quarter century of success

*Accreditation - Cover & Feature images taken by Chris Dillion

FOR ALL ADVERTISING ENQUIRERS

Contact the sales team on (03) 961 5176 | sales@academy.net.nz

Disclaimer This publication is provided on the basis that A-Mark Publishing is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services. A-Mark Publishing expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication.

Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2013 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

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32,290 ABC circulation as at 30/06/15

ISSN 1173-1508(Print) | ISSN 2230-6168(Online)

Conditions of entry: One entry only per person and must be sent on the official entry form or as otherwise stated. Entry is free and open to all residents of New Zealand. All entrants must be over the age of 18, proof of identity and date of birth may be requested. Employees and their immediate families of Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication are ineligible to enter. Winner(s) will be notified by email/phone. The judges’ decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into. No responsibility is accepted for late, lost or misdirected mail. Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever suffered (including but not limited to direct or consequential loss) or personal injury suffered or sustained, during the course of prize winning travel or in connection with any other prizes won. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication accept no responsibility for health, luggage, insurances, travel, personal expenses and transfers other than specified. Entries remain the property of Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication and cannot be returned. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication reserves the right to photograph and publish winners. Entries may be used for further marketing purposes by Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication but are not made available to any third party.

4 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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News | Viewpoints

Rt Hon John Key

Kevin Vincent

Debra Buckley

Prime Minister

Managing director of Vincent Consulting www.vincentconsulting.co.nz

CEO of the New Zealand Institute of Management and Leadership www.nzimleadership.co.nz

Our plans to move the people

Four keys for better sales leads

Auckland is the home to one third of Kiwis, and the National-led government is working to ensure Aucklanders, and visitors, can get around the city as conveniently as possible.

Every business would like to have more high quality prospects, but many businesses just don’t have sufficient time to spend on generating leads, or may be doubtful on how best to do it.

We’ve recently worked with Auckland Council to bring forward the start date of the City Rail Link (CRL) to earlier than previously anticipated. There is merit in bringing forward the start of construction of this $2.5 billion project, as more people are using rail to get around Auckland and the growth in the number of people who work in the central city.

The CRL gives us the ability to double the capacity of Auckland’s rail network and significantly reduce travel times for commuters.

We’re also working to help to ease congestion in the central city with construction of the Western Ring Route, one of the Government’s seven Roads of National Significance.

The Western Ring Route is made up of a number of projects, including the $1.4 billion Waterview Connection, which is due to open in 2017, along with upgrades and improvements along State Highways 16 and 18, which are underway and will be completed over the next five years.

Once complete this project will provide a 48 kilometre motorway alternative to SH1 and the Auckland Harbour Bridge, bypassing the city to the west.

It will improve travel times and reliability, as well as linking Manukau, Auckland, Waitakere and the North Shore. Bus shoulder lanes and upgraded cycleway and pedestrian facilities will be added and will boost safety along the route.

Auckland is growing and the Government is undertaking a wide range of social housing investments to improve the lives of vulnerable New Zealanders, while increasing new housing developments in Auckland.

We recently transferred the ownership of about 2,800 Housing NZ properties in Tamaki to the Tamaki Regeneration Company (TRC), which is jointly owned by the Crown and Auckland Council.

TRC will lead the Tamaki Regeneration Programme which will deliver 7,500 social, affordable and private homes in the next 10-15 years, as well as helping to regenerate the Tamaki area.

TRC has been engaging with Tamaki residents during the past three years to understand their housing, social and employment aspirations, and this transfer will help deliver on this huge community redevelopment project.

We’ve eliminated unfair employment arrangements known as zero-hour contracts and our new health and safety laws make everyone in the workplace responsible for health and safety.

These changes continue to demonstrate the Government’s focus on ensuring everyone shares in the gains from our growing economy.

6 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

You are not alone – this issue affects most business. The goal is simply having enough qualified prospects that lead to an increase in your business revenues.

In any given industry, there are a whole lot of potential lead sources that can be used to supply your business with highly qualified sales leads. Some are very simple and inexpensive to set-up, others are more involved. Some will give you a trickle of leads, others will produce a flood.

An effective lead generation system should: • Require little effort to effectively run it with the ability to be put almost entirely on autopilot • Generate names, addresses, and even email addresses of people who respond and are interested in knowing more about your specific product or service • Create a positive relationship of trust and generates a perception that you are “the” authority in your industry about your product or service • Generate improved income. The system works like a radio volume control that increases your business when turned up and maintains your business when turned down.

The basics of lead generation include firstly targeting best buyers. For most of us, if we look at our financial statements and income from sales we will see that the Pareto 80/20 rule is working within your business. That is, just 20 percent of your clients are giving you 80 percent of the business and profitability. These are your best buyers or dream clients.

The next step is to become more proactive with your follow ups.

Follow up always in a diligent, timely and continuous manner.

Every day that a lead goes unattended you are eroding the viability of that opportunity by a huge amount. They would not have responded and become a lead if they were not interested in the benefit your product or service offers.

The key to success with handling leads is to have a proactive system in place, even if it’s as simple as picking up the phone and calling your lead. Each new lead responded to you because they were interested, so pounce on each opportunity.

Proven lead generation systems include: 1) Direct mail to your best buyers. 2) Publishing content. 3) Advertising. 4) Referrals. 5) Networking. 6) Speaking. 7) Online SEO, Google etc.

Workplace diversity means inclusion, not exclusion The world we live in is entrenched in rapid change.

The technical revolution is driving us all to go further and delivering a strong commercial result is now considered business as usual, all of which is more achievable if there is diversity in our teams.

So let’s begin with the benefits of diversity within an organisation: • Increased adaptability • Greater effectiveness in task execution • A range of viewpoints • Depth in awareness of culture, global and social issues • A hub for innovation • Expansive range of skills and knowledge.

Looking at the benefits you can see why so many organisations are focused on diversity. The question is: can you achieve diversity by making it a value and not a KPI? Like you, I agree that in order to achieve diversity we must have a goal to focus on, something to measure and a target to achieve.

Therefore, we have KPIs. The risk may come when we start to make statements like, “50 percent of all short-listed candidates must be female”.

How can we ensure that we are then not being exclusive to those candidates who are of a diverse culture, age or disability?

The question then, is not when, why or who, but how? What would happen if our KPIs were not segregation based, but were in fact value based? We still have a clear end goal in sight - we are still committed to the target but through inclusion, not exclusion.

KPIs to encourage diversity include: • Our organisation will include questions around diversity in our team culture survey • We will remove name, gender, age from our CV’s during the recruitment process and simply measure skills and experience against a position description matrix • We will include a community contribution to the professional development plans of our people • We will make diversity visible • We will encourage a different point of view and provide the framework for inclusion • We are committed to retention and succession planning • Innovation is delivered by people not titles.

Taking a step forward in diversity starts with the leaders; we need to be more than well intentioned - we need to be inclusive.

The economy is becoming increasingly global. Your neighbours and peers are increasingly more diverse and your competitive edge is reliant on your ability to be inclusive.

News | Viewpoints

Cameron Watson

Martz Witty

Richard O'Brien

Training and development manager at Craigs Investment Partners www.craigsip.com

Head of the Martz Group www.martz.co.nz

Director of operations at NZbizbuysell www.nzbizbuysell.co.nz

Investors need to be more Spock, less caveman “May I say that I have not thoroughly enjoyed serving with humans? I find their illogic and foolish emotions a constant irritant.”

- Spock, 1968 Our ‘fight or flight’ caveman instincts are not helpful when it comes to investing. We need to be cool, calm and rational, like Spock.

The problem humans have when investing is that the ancient part of our brains, the limbic system, was used by our cave-dwelling forebears to weigh up simple but important decisions such as; should I take on this sabre-tooth tiger with my spear, or bolt for that tree?

The problem for investors is we still have this limbic system in our brains and it can make us act instinctively rather than rationally, and is not helpful when it comes to complex, long term decisions like investing. It can prompt some flawed decision making such as: We trust intuition over reasoning. Check out this test James Montier included in his book ‘Little Book of Behavioural Investing’.

A bat and a ball together cost $1.10. The bat costs a dollar more than the ball. How much does the ball cost? (The answer is below). Ten cents virtually bounds off the page at you, revealing how we jump to conclusions when we should analyse and consider outcomes. That’s where process is so important for investors.

Overconfidence - we believe we can control the uncontrollable.

When investing, no human can predict how investment markets will perform in future, but they waste countless hours trying to do so when the time would be better spent on improving the aspects they can control, such as diversification.

We are easily influenced by crowds. In my experience, there is nothing more common in investing than jumping on bandwagons. People continuously follow returns, usually buying at the peak of a market, and then selling at the bottom, rather than shunning that sort of wealth-destroying behaviour in favour of long term diversification.

We like excitement, but investing should inherently be boring.

Successful investing is centred on diversification, invest for growing cash flows, taking a long term view, buying quality investments and letting compound returns work their magic over for the long term.

But we can overcome our caveman biases and the best way of doing that is to have a clear process for investing; the sort of rational, rules-based approach that Spock would use. The answer to Montier’s test: Bat cost $1.05 and ball costs $0.05.

Cam Watson is the Training and Development Manager at Craigs Investment Partners. His disclosure statement is available free of charge on request. This is general information only.

Visit www.craigsip.com for more information.

Bankers' language

Is franchising right for you?

At the office we have had a massive couple of months with bankers meetings and requests for information that are sometimes outside of the normal.

Are you planning an expansion strategy?

Franchising can be a great way to upscale your business fast.

It has prompted us to proactively address how we deal with banks on behalf of our clients, address how we can better serve our clients and how to better upskill them in knowing what their bankers are ‘actually’ asking for when they request information.

There’s a fundamental rule when it comes to dealing with your bank - they do not like surprises of a negative variety.

Individual managers are just that, individual! Some are proactive, some are empathetic, some are aggressive and others nonchalant. They are, after all, just human. Typically we find that they will reflect back how you are with them - so if you want upbeat and attentive then try being that to them in the first place.

Too often we see clients only conversing with their bankers when they have to, when they need an overdraft extension or temporary range. It’s not a healthy relationship to be in (for either party).

We do sometimes get told there is no relationship there.

Well then you have three choices: • Put up and shut up • Change banks • Ask to change bank managers.

Each has pros and cons. Changing banks is logistically easy enough, but you lose valuable banking history and that comes only with time. Changing managers might be a better option for you if the breakdown is only personal. Putting up and shutting up is seldom the right solution, unless of course there are changes afoot with your banking advisors.

Paramount to understanding and having a good relationship is to know what your bankers are asking and why.

Typically their interest is in the past and your future. They look at your accounts (you know those pieces of paper that the accountant prepares and sometimes you haven’t got a clue what they are about).

They need to assess your liquidity (ability to pay your debts as they fall due), profitability (that you are making money for your efforts), and your cash flows (that there is more coming in than going out).

This sounds so simple but there’s more to it than that.

But whether it’s the right strategy for you depends on the nature and state of your business and your own personal goals and commitment.

A good idea is not enough Some people make the mistake of thinking they can make their millions by franchising a good idea. But the reality is, no one is going to pay you for just an idea – you need something tangible to sell.

Is your business franchisable?

No matter how successful your business is, it won’t work as a franchise unless it appears to be a good business opportunity.

What makes a sellable business opportunity?

First, your franchise needs to capture the imagination of potential business owners. It needs to appeal to them on both personal and business levels.

Your business also needs to offer a good product or service with a solid business system, which is in a secure market position.

And needless to say, it needs to offer good rewards – profits, turnover, growth potential and working conditions.

Is your business teachable?

Knowledge is power and in the case of franchises, passing on knowledge is essential.

Like new employees, your franchisees will need to learn the ropes. This means taking time to ensure all your operating procedures, manuals, product information, etc, is all in order and easily accessible.

The legal stuff When it comes time to franchise, you’ll need a franchise agreement, which forms the contract between you, the franchisor, and your franchisees, and a disclosure document which includes full details about how the franchise will operate.

These documents require a great deal of consideration and attention to detail as to what you will and won’t provide, how it works, the obligations of both parties and the financial considerations.

Check out our list of franchise specialists, including lawyers, accountants and consultants, who can provide assistance with the nitty-gritty.

If you don’t know why a banker is asking for something, simply ask them. They’re typically there to try and help you.

If in doubt take your accountant and they can translate some of the dialogue for you.

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 7

News | Viewpoints

EVENTS DIARY

Jane Cowan-Harris

Suzanne Carter

Head of WorkSpace IQ www.workspaceiq.co.nz

Specialist for Limelight Online www.limelightonline.co.nz

The hidden enemy of the office

Is it time to call the professionals

Want a healthier economy? Then let’s aim for healthier people.

Google has made it very easy for any business owner to set-up a Google AdWords campaign.

We often talk in business circles about the benefits of creating a healthy economy, and why not?

But you must remember that Google is a business, so they have made it easy for business owners to spend money.

As both a business owner and someone who enjoys being part of a thriving community, I am certainly supportive of such thinking. However, talk is well and good, but the reality is that healthy economies require a healthy workforce.

So ensuring that you get the best results for your budget is the tricky bit. Unless you are very experienced with setting up and managing Google AdWords campaigns, you are very likely throwing money away.

You might think that an office isn’t a very dangerous place to work and compared to a construction site, it would be fair to say that you’re right.

An effective campaign is one that brings you results with the least amount of spend; in other words a highly targeted campaign. Inexperience, time and a lack of understanding of Google AdWords can be the downfall in running a successful campaign.

However, I can attest to a large range of injuries and conditions, which while not all life threatening, definitely affect people’s wellbeing and workplace performance.

The scary thing is that it’s not just annoying aches and niggles such as low back pain, sore neck, shoulders or wrists, which are the issue.

It’s the longer term health conditions due to long periods of staying in one position – usually sitting all day at a desk– that are significantly increasing the risk of chronic health problems such as Type II diabetes, heart disease, obesity and cancers such as colon and rectal cancer. In other words, office work and our increased use of technology are creating a public health issue.

Individual responsibility or team effort?

If you’re an employee you have to take some responsibility for your own health. It makes sense to take time away from your desk when you can, even if only at lunch time. Stretch during the day, drink water and take micro-breaks.

But depending on your workplace culture, looking after yourself at work can be difficult.

Fortunately there is an increasing awareness of the benefits of healthier workplaces. There’s a growing body of evidence to prove that not only is a healthy workplace good for people, but with reduced time off work, increased productivity and, better staff retention figures, a healthy workplace is also good for the bottom line.

Give your business a health check Encouraging a healthy lifestyle and healthy ways to work is an essential element in creating a healthy workplace.

If you invest in a healthy business culture, well done, keep it up.

If you know you could do better, but lack time or budget, take little steps.

Encourage people to get away from their desks at lunchtime, introduce ‘Fruit on Fridays’ have a bike to work day once a month; get creative. It may cost less than you think to build a healthy economy and you’ll feel so much better for it. Here’s to our good health!

Let’s take a look at three general outcomes that will occur when you embark on a Google AdWords campaign.

Scenario One You dive straight in, without any prior knowledge or much research, and set-up and manage a Google AdWords campaign. You’ll have a campaign up and running in no time. Then you’ll start spending money, and more money, and more money.

Your credit card (how you pay for AdWords) bill is getting higher and higher, but you have not seen much return on your investment. Where is the new business? In frustration, you give up and stop your campaign.

Scenario two You don’t have the time to set-up your own campaign, but your friend mentioned they knew someone who knew something about Google?

Your campaign is set-up and might be quite successful. You are still spending money, but are getting some new business, so you’re quite happy to go with it.

Then your friend’s friend gets too busy and the campaign becomes sporadic; money is still being spent but you don’t know how well the campaign is being run.

No longer confident that AdWords is bringing you the right results, you stop the campaign.

Scenario three You understand that working with specialists to set-up and manage your campaign is the right way to go.

An agency will research your business and industry, keywords and advise on how best to utilise your spend. They’ll know the difference between a good, average and poor campaign and can adjust the campaign to ensure you are getting the best results for your spend.

If you are keen to engage a professional company, do check that they have Google AdWords Certified Partner status.

What’s happening on the business and entertainment front

FRIDAY, JUNE 3 NAVIGATING CHANGE WORKSHOP This interactive workshop provides tools and strategies to help individuals become more responsive and agile in coping with change. Participants will learn to understand the impact of change on themselves, their peers and co-workers and the importance of communication during the change process.

To register, go to: www.eliteld.co.nz

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 YOU AND DOLLARS AND SENSE If you’ve ever wondered how to move towards a more peaceful financial life, this course is for you. It will give you the knowledge and skills you need in your financial every day life to build a solid financial future. Who should attend? Anyone who thinks they could do better with money, or who wants to get ahead financially. This course is held over four consecutive Wednesday evenings starting June 8th.

To register, go to: www.selwyncomed.school.nz

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 WORKPLACE DIVERSITY TRAINING COURSE In the new global economy it is more important than ever to understand how culture affects communication and perception. Improving intercultural communication enhances success by bringing varied perspectives and fresh ideas into the workplace. These fun, high energy training courses are available New Zealand wide.

To register, go to: pdtraining.co.nz

THURSDAY, JUNE 9 SUCCESSFUL ONLINE MARKETING Online marketing is now integral to SME business marketing strategies. Learn how to use the digital tools available to you in Successful Online Marketing, a one day intensive MIT Business Course. You’ll come away confident enough to create your own online marketing strategy.

To register, go to: www.businessatmanukau.co.nz

MONDAY, JUNE 20 INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS SEMINAR Starting a business? Attend the IRD’s free business seminar to learn about: working smarter with its online services, business structures, income tax, expenses you can claim, GST and more.

To register, go to: www.ird.govt.nz

TUESDAY, JULY 5 -7 WOMEN IN ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP SUMMIT The third annual Women in Engineering Leadership Summit 2016 aims to navigate the challenges faced by female engineers in the journey of advancing into senior leadership roles. Featuring an outstanding speaker faculty, the summit will provide delegates with key insights from award-winning senior female engineers and leaders empowering women to achieve their career goals.

To register, go to: www.liquidlearninggroup.com

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If your website isn’t mobile-responsive, Google won’t show your website on any device, therefore you are potentially missing out on 51% of your market finding your business.

Call us now to find out how easy it is you have a modern, easy to use, mobile-responsive website – starting from $997+gst

gary@fatweb.co.nz | 0800 444 090 | www.fatweb.co.nz 8 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Part of the

News | Working life

Breaking bad habits

By Laura Baker

We all have our own little habits, the good and the bad, and it’s these habits that make us who we are. But whether we are willing to acknowledge it or not, many of us have one (or maybe a few), bad habits that would do us good to break.

the habit, a plan can be useful to disrupt the automatic response to it.

We might perceive our habits to be small, insignificant compulsions, but when repeated continuously our actions do have a significant impact on who we are as people. And whether we like to admit it or not, our habits mould us into the people we are.

Understanding what fuels your bad habit is the key to overcoming it. Identify the trigger, whether it is people or a place, which enables the habit and avoid it.

Whether the habit is done consciously or subconsciously it can be hard to stop, but it is worth trying. Here are five tips to help break free.

How to break the cycle 1. Create a plan Once you’ve acknowledged the problem and got yourself into the right state of mind to tackle

2. Identify your trigger

If the bad habit is, for example, regularly eating fast food with a particular group of friends, then it may be the friends which are triggering the dependency. It’s hard to say no to a burger when everyone around you is eating them.

Spend less time with people who have bad habits and more time with people who have good habits.

3. Change your environment If you repeat the same behaviour in the same place every time, then the environment can prompt the undesirable behaviour. For example, if you take a smoke break in your work’s car park, then eventually the car park itself can subtly trigger an emotional desire for a cigarette. Avoiding the environment that triggers your habit can help towards kicking the cycle.

If it is having a harmful effect on your work and personal life, it is time to break free

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From drinking excessively or routinely staying up all night, resulting in poor performance at work the following day, to procrastination, overspending, swearing, or binge eating whatever the vice - if it is having a harmful effect on your work and personal life, it is time to break free of the negative behaviour pattern.

Plan your approach by answering the following questions: What day do I start? Will I go cold turkey? How will I hold myself accountable for my actions? Who else will be involved in the process? What rewards for success will I give myself? A clear plan with create the discipline needed to succeed.

4. Retrain your thoughts Even if we know a habit is damaging us physically or emotionally we continue to do it.

Why? Because despite the obvious drawbacks, it still provides us with some sort of satisfaction or psychological reward that entices us to repeat the behaviour again and again.

Retrain positive or pleasant inner thoughts and feelings about the habit to focus on the negative impact it is having. Reframing your mind to put emphasis on the negative aspects

should, over time, diminish the psychological reward received from acting out the habit.

5. Be patient Be patient with yourself and don’t beat yourself up too much if you slip up and fall back into the habit – it’s called a habit for a reason.

Established habits can be hard to break as they are ingrained into your life.

It may take several attempts to make a change so be patient and persist.

Turn up and turn on

By Terri Cluckie

We’re not all lucky enough to be morning people, so the start of the day can really be a struggle. Often it’s easy to let this characteristic override your day and have your productivity slip when you get to work.

So here are a few tips on getting yourself in gear for a good work day.

Wake up earlier: Ok, easier said than done, I know, but even an extra 10 minutes stretching in bed before actually making a move can make the world of difference Organise the night before: Avoid rushing around in the morning, making lunch, packing your bag and trying to find those bloody keys by getting prepared the night before. All this will equal less stress and more time to unwind in the morning.

Avoid burnout: Too much work can often mean not enough work. What I mean by this is, piling on your workload and giving yourself too much to do at once can be counter-productive and get you nowhere. Give yourself short bursts of work to do while incorporating short breaks and see how your to-do list shrinks.

Start off small: Getting small and menial tasks out of the way at the beginning of your day will take away distractions later on. It’s also a very effective way of easing into the day without facing a daunting task first thing in the morning.

Assign yourself tasks: Block out your day with AM and PM tasks, even assign them timeslots if that is possible in your line of work.

Organisation of work is underrated; it can mean the difference between no work and all work being completed throughout the work day.

Work out: If you work in an office environment, becoming sluggish at your desk is often unavoidable. Going for short

walks between tasks or at lunch time is a great way to re-energise and keep yourself going.

Tips for employers Adjust start times: If your staff are often tardy or take a lifetime to get going in the morning, consider adjusting start times. If the work day starts at 9am, ask staff to get to work by 8:45am.

This way they can spend 15 minutes getting themselves set-up for the day before getting on with tasks. Increased productivity should occur and less time will be wasted at the start of the day.

Encourage frequent breaks: The thought of taking a 15 minute break every 90 minutes might sound ridiculous, but it’s actually a very effective way of increasing productivity by avoiding burnout.

For more tools & tactics visit: www.magazinestoday.co.nz

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News | Small business basics

The benefits of blogging

By Laura Baker

When you think of marketing techniques for your business, blogging may not even be a method that enters your mind, but it should be. In today’s social media driven world engaging with your customers online is expected.

Blogs are the solution to this demand; they offer an easy to use platform to connect with customers and market your business.

Blogging is one of the most affordable, efficient, direct and personalised techniques available. It allows you to communicate with customers, increase online traffic to your website and grow your brand, to note just a few of the many benefits.

Maintaining a business blog doesn’t need to be a major undertaking. Set aside half an hour to an hour once or twice a week and let the creative juices flow. Aside from allocating time, it’s also important to plan your blog content; you want to offer interesting blogs relevant to your industry or field of expertise that keep your target audience coming back for more.

Tell your story Share your businesses story with your readers in a blog. A blog is a great place to tell your brand’s story and offer insight into your company philosophy, employees, ideas and personality.

Tell your customers why you’re in business and how you can help them.

Website alternative Blogging is a low cost alternative to having a web presence. For small business owners without the time to learn web html or the money to hire a website developer, blogging offers an inexpensive method to get your company’s name out on the Internet.

Blogging is the modern, easy and low cost method to interact with customers and receive valuable feedback

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The many rewards make it well worth your time. Here are 10 benefits that blogging has on businesses that will inspire you to put fingertips to keyboard.

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Some businesses pay exorbitant costs for search engine optimisation, but blogging is the most straightforward way to optimise your site for search engines and bring in more traffic.

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Have a voice Got a new product you want to market? Tell people about it in a blog. Blogs give companies a voice to talk about new products or and keep your website fresh with a regular blog. It will increase services, share company initiatives and comment on news topics your online presence and your website hit rate. or trends. It’s also the place to let your brand’s personality shine Become an expert and show people what you’re all about.

Blogs give you the opportunity to openly discuss your industry.

Customer interaction They are the perfect platform to show you understand your field Forget about expensive focus groups and surveys. Blogging is the and provide solutions to problems others may have. By regularly modern, easy and low cost method to interact with customers and posting a business blog you’ll soon establish yourself as a receive valuable feedback. Simply write a blog and ask for them to credible expert in your industry and become a go-to person for the media and customers alike to look to for insight and advice. The leave a comment with their thoughts and opinions. credibility you establish will convert into sales.

Liven up your site Low cost Let’s be honest, a number of SME business websites suffer from being outdated. If your website is stale you’re not giving customers The cost of running a blog is extremely cheap or in many cases free. Start by asking your website designer or host provider if a reason to come back and visit your site. Dust off the cobwebs

Ask your builder if he’s using Securefence & Securescaffold – it will save you money.

“

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they can install a blog on your existing site. If this isn’t an option, check out these popular host sites that make it easy to create and publish your own blog: Blogger.com, WordPress.com and Typepad.com. Keep in mind that if you set-up your blog under a different domain, your main website won’t benefit from the added traffic.

Get Google friendly Some businesses pay exorbitant costs for search engine optimisation, but blogging is the most straightforward way to optimise your site for search engines and bring in more traffic.

Google favours blogs in its search because content is updated frequently, opposed to the millions of websites that are dormant for days, weeks or even months at a time. Google recognises new content by giving it higher placement on search engine result pages.

Free advertising In addition to the ‘value driven’ content in your blog, it is also easy to add advertising to the page quite literally for free. Just remember - don’t bombard the page with advertising content. The reason people visit the site is for your informative, funny and useful blog.

Emotional attachment A blog has the power to get your business up close and personal with your reader, connecting them on a much deeper level than standard marketing. By revealing your businesses personality in your blog you’re able to create a connection and a lasting relationship with your reader which translates into a loyal customer.

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P: 0800 66 00 22 | www.securescaffold.co.nz | www.securefence.co.nz 10 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

News | Leadership

Five alternatives to meetings

By Terri Cluckie

Meetings are like family functions; nobody really wants to go to them, someone is always late and/or complaining, and there is always that one person who only comes along for the snacks.

Although they are often considered the best way of communicating seemingly important information or bringing together a group of people for “team building purposes”, meetings can actually be the very opposite.

Regardless of good intentions, they are often a waste of time and therefore highly unproductive for those involved.

To establish if a traditional meeting is your best foot forward, you first need to ask yourself a few questions: What is my message?

Who needs to hear it? How urgent is it? And the most critical - is a meeting really the best way to communicate it?

Here are a few alternatives to traditional meeting methods and why they may be more beneficial to you.

Face to face Does your meeting really need to involve all 10 people at once, or will a quick face to face chat with each person suffice?

Remember, not everybody involved in a project needs to know about each aspect of what is being discussed, so a 20 minute chat with everybody is 20 minutes out of someone’s day that doesn’t need to be there.

Smaller groups Perhaps condensing the meeting size would be more effective.

If face to face with everybody is too much for the person holding the meeting, then consider who needs to be informed about the same things and condense your groups and meeting time accordingly.

Online discussion groups Physical presence at a meeting is often an issue. Getting to and from a meeting place, no matter how close by, can take a good chunk of time out of someone’s day, so consider using instant messaging or online discussions as an alternative.

It will allow people to respond as they wish without having to get to a meeting place, and if they want to, they can also multi-task, saving them from dropping one subject to hop to another.

Digital space Online places such as Google Docs or Basecamp are a very effective way for people working on the same project to share documents, ideas and delegate tasks, without having to actually meet. Imagine being able to completely manage a project without even having to leave your desk. The time saved on physical meetings could be spent on the project itself.

Notifications and updates If you intended to hold a meeting to update members of staff on a particular subject or issue, consider writing up a notification for people to read in their own time. This could then be posted on an actual office notice board, an online notice board via the staff intranet, or simply put in an email. If a message doesn’t need to be verbally communicated consider sharing it another way.

Five things good leaders never say

By Laura Baker

As children we are often told to think before we speak. We are trained by our parents and teachers to self-filter our words which, at times, can be brutally honest.

But let’s face it, even as adults, sometimes things we didn’t mean to say just slip out. Unfortunately we no longer have the excuse of innocence or ignorance on our side to get us out of a sticky situation.

As a manger or team leader, the harm of saying an off-the-wall comment is compounded because people are looking to you as an example and an inspiration.

Comments that are demanding or demoralising have a detrimental impact on employees. Therefore it pays to think twice before you speak and if you’re not 100 percent sure how a comment will be received, you’re better off not saying it.

Here are five damaging phrases that shouldn’t pass through your lips as a leader: “I’ll do it myself” By taking a job off a staff member and doing it yourself implies that they’re not up to the task and they’re not good enough. This sucks them of their self-worth, confidence and forces them to doubt their own abilities.

“It’s not up for debate/discussion” Is your workplace a dictatorship or a democracy?

By declaring that an issue is not up for discussion and your decision is final, you risk alienating your staff and creating a dictatorship environment.

Unwillingness to hear out people’s ideas gives the impression that their thoughts aren’t valued within the company. Plus, by refusing to listen to their opinions, you miss out on potentially valuable ideas you may not have thought of yourself.

“I’m the boss” Of course you’re the boss, but saying so doesn’t make it so.

By stating “I’m the boss” it instantly puts up a barrier between you and your staff, making it clear you view yourself as superior or separate. This can cause real damage to any collaborative team culture environment.

“Don’t bring me any bad news” Ignorance may be bliss, but it sure isn’t going to solve any problems and it’s certainly not going to make them go away. By remaining wilfully ignorant to the problems in your business, it burdens your staff with the bad news and fills them with unnecessary worry.

Hiding a problem will only make it get worse, so make a 180 degree turn on this comment by saying “If there’s any bad news, I want to be the first to know”. Great leaders want to

The most affective leaders are often the ones who know the right thing to say at the right time

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The most affective leaders are often the ones who know the right thing to say at the right time, but equally, know when to keep their mouth shut. The spoken word carries with it a lot of power affecting the hearts of minds of those around you – more than you may realise.

In the short term it may seem like doing a job yourself is quicker and easier, but in the long term you are setting your business up for failure. Focus on putting the right people in the right places and enable them to succeed.

know about issues that need immediate attention so they can be addressed.

“That’s not my fault.”

A leader who spreads the blame or throws others under the bus also fails to accept that he or she is ultimately the one in charge. The best leaders don’t just take responsibility for their own actions, but also the actions of their team. Their willingness to absorb the hit and accept personal accountability, rather than shifting the blame, especially during tough times, ultimately wins over the employees.

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News | Life online

Digital amnesia

How the Internet is killing our memory

By Terri Cluckie

I was once in a situation where I was out in the city, my phone battery had died and I somehow had to contact a friend to let them know where I was.

Now I know what you’re thinking, ‘Terri why didn’t you just find a payphone and call them from there?’

Aha… smart thinking that! Only I don’t store phone numbers in my head anymore, that’s what my phone is for. Or at least that’s what I’ve been subconsciously telling myself for the past 10 or so years since I’ve had a mobile phone.

The truth is - I couldn’t tell you any mobile or home telephone number of any close family member or friend. Not one. I could tell you my Grandparent’s old telephone number and my best friend’s number from when she was six like I was reading you my birth date… but beyond that I’m lost. And apparently I’m not the only one.

A 2015 study by cyber-security company, Kaspersky Lab, entitled "The rise and impact of digital amnesia: Why we need to protect what we no longer remember,” ultimately found that many of us struggle to recall memories that we store in digital devices. The evidence was found across all age groups and equally among both men and women.

It found that across Europe, more than half of adult consumers (up to 60 percent) could phone the house they lived in at aged 10, but not their children (53 percent) or the office (51 percent) without first looking up the number.

How many of you are nodding along? And how many of you are wondering what ‘digital amnesia’ is?

Kaspersky Lab defines it as “the experience of forgetting information that you trust a digital device to store and remember for you”.

The study further found that a quarter (or 24 percent) of participants would forget an online fact as soon as they had used it.

We may be living in the age of information, but if we can’t remember something right after we’ve read it, then what use is it?

If you store information in a digital device, there's a good chance you won't remember it

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The study, conducted by research firm Opinion Matters and commissioned by Kaspersky Lab, surveyed 6,000 consumers aged between 16 and 55+, split equally between male and female, with 1,000 from each of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Benelux.

Although we have knowledge at our fingertips, this study suggests that we’re not actually doing anything with it, and worse, we’re letting our memories down because we’re not actively asking it to remember anything.

On a more positive note though, it did find that two thirds (67 percent) of participants say they would ‘sometimes’ make a note of something they had found online. However, it also found one in three European consumers is happy to forget, or risk forgetting information they can easily find – or find again – online.

Similarly, a paper published in Science in 2011 by Harvard and the Universities of Columbia and Wisconsin, which looked at memory and Internet use, found that the way young people in the US remembered information was changing due to readily available information online.

The study termed the fact that participants retained fewer facts, but could readily recall where the information was stored, ‘the Google effect’.

I don’t think these findings are surprising. Anybody with a mobile phone or access to the Internet has been there. Apparently 61 percent of participants say they need answers quickly and simply don’t have the time for libraries or books, an explanation which accurately reflects our impatience in a fast moving world; but at what cost?

The study (obviously) focuses more on the implications of a lack of IT security, given how much personal data and information is stored on digital devices, rather than the impact on human memory itself.

It does however, suggest that “we need to better understand the direction and long-term implications of this trend in order to protect the information we no longer store in our minds”.

Is switching off the answer? Perhaps not, but it will be interesting to find out what other studies come up with to determine the long-term impact the digital world has/will have on us in the future.

Let’s just hope we remember this conversation in the first place.

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Contact: Clive Greenwood on: (03) 961 5176 or email clive@academy.net.nz | www.magazinestoday.co.nz 12 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Corporate destinations | Destination Rotorua

New Zealand coolest convention hotspot Rotorua’s tagline is ‘New Zealand’s coolest hotspot’ and while it certainly stands up to this claim, what it doesn’t mention is it’s also the country’s most accommodating, stress-free location to host your next convention – thanks to Destination Rotorua Business Events Team.

Rotorua has been a hub for tourism for more than 200 years, but in recent decades it has also become a popular destination to hold conferences and corporate events.

Formed late last year, Destination Rotorua Business Events Team is a dedicated team tasked with assisting businesses and associations plan their events in the region.

Destination Rotorua does the hard work for you.

Event planners can make contact with the team to discuss their needs whether an event is large, small, luxury, budget, one day or a full week.

And it’ll obtain a range of quotes, create an itinerary and tailor a full proposal based on a client’s event requirements.

Destination Rotorua’s business events manager, Craig Murray says the business events team is available and always happy to help. “The team are here to work with you to source suitable venues, accommodation options and offsite activities for business events in Rotorua.”

Based out of the Energy Events Centre, Destination Rotorua acts as an impartial voice for the city’s convention infrastructure. From welcome functions, offsite dinners, team building activities, entertainment, accommodation and more, it can research and arrange it all – holding a conference in Rotorua couldn’t be easier.

A variety of venues The Maori cultural heartland of New Zealand has a wide variety of venues available for

corporate conferences and entertaining that will wow delegates.

A number of its venues incorporate Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Maori culture and the natural assets that make this region so unique; from cocktails next to an active geyser to dinner on top of a dormant volcano.

Rotorua has a range of great options to choose from if businesses are looking for a unique experience that will leave a lasting impression with delegates.

Rotorua’s largest venue, the Energy Events Centre (EEC), is a versatile, multi-purpose convention space.

The flagship venue can accommodate a range of conference sizes and configurations. At maximum capacity it can host 4,000 delegates, up to 2,600 delegates for a banquet and has space for 300 exhibition booths.

It incorporates 10 separate spaces ideal for conferences, exhibitions and tradeshows and has a total floor space of 8,250 sqm.

Rotorua also has an amazing range of quality four-star hotels with conference capabilities.

With such a wide variety of venues available and the flexibility to cater to a diverse range of event configurations, Destination Rotorua can help select the right venue and accommodation for your needs. “Whatever the client’s requirements, we’ve go the infrastructure to host that event.”

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It’s attraction amongst delegates is attributed to a number of the regions strengths, from the unique geography, strong multi-culture offerings and offsite leisure and adventure activities, such as jet boating and geothermal hot pools.

”

Added value Businesses are quickly catching onto Rotorua’s unbeatable offerings. Last year alone the city hosted 107,660 visiting delegates.

And its popularity has increased so much it’s competing with New Zealand’s larger cities for multi-day events. Rotorua took out the third largest market share for multi-day conference delegate days in 2015, beaten only by Auckland and Wellington.

It’s attraction amongst delegates is attributed to a number of the regions strengths, from the unique geography, strong multi-culture offerings and offsite leisure and adventure activities, such as jet boating and geothermal hot pools.

Rotorua’s leisure activity offering in and around the region adds significant value to any event.

Destination Rotorua can assist clients with selecting the right type of activity based on a group’s abilities and interests, and then incorporate it into the client’s timeframe. AT For more information contact the team BusinessEvents@RotoruaNZ.com Destinaion Rotorua Energy Events Centre, Queens Drive Pvt Bag 3029, Rotorua Mail Centre Rotorua 3046 T (07) 3518651 E BusinessEvents@RotoruaNZ.com www.rotoruanz.com

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 13

News | Cover story

MARK

POWELL THE FORMER WAREHOUSE GROUP CEO’S RECIPE FOR RETAIL SUCCESS

By Laura Baker

14 | June 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

News | Cover story

He says the retail environment is rapidly changing and to stay competitive stores must keep pace. “In retail business you really need to be refreshing your stores every seven to eight years.

Your brand, your colour, your font and store environment all tire and they can suddenly look very old if you don’t refresh on a cycle.”

In the previous eight years before Mark came onboard, The Warehouse had only refitted about 10 different stores out of 90. “At that rate, if you take an average, that would mean every store would get refitted every 70 to 80 years.”

With a lot of catch-up to do, Mark spent just shy of $250 million on store refits and major acquisitions. “That cycle of refreshment and contemporising the stores was really important because it creates the environment that people shop in.

Five years ago New Zealand’s largest retail chain found itself heading towards a very precarious position. The Warehouse Group (TWG) was in a downward spiral and without something, or someone, coming to the rescue, it could well have crash landed.

With more than 220 stores nationwide including The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationary, Noel Leeming, Torpedo 7 and TWG Financial Services, TWG is a firm staple for kiwi shoppers.

However, the retail behemoth’s red sheds had been in decline for a number of years and had it not been for the actions of its former CEO, Mark Powell and his team, it is not unthinkable that it could have met the same fate as Dick Smith.

They turned the tide by investing hundreds of millions of dollars in overhauling stores, buying new businesses and improving its brand image.

While some market commentators have criticised the spend, it is undeniable that when Mark left New Zealand’s largest retail group in January this year, it was in much better shape than when he found it.

Born and raised in South Wales, Mark joined UK grocery giant Tesco in 2000 as its UK logistics operations director. He immigrated to New Zealand two years later and joined TWG. During his years of involvement his roles have included interim CEO of Australian operations and CEO of Warehouse Stationery.

Success is an imposter His Welsh working-class upbringing and strong Christian beliefs have largely sculpted Mark’s personality.

A modest, down to earth person, he believes our modern culture overrates what is perceived to be success. “Society perceives success to be wealth, material possessions, big houses and flash cars.”

From this statement alone it’s clear he wasn’t your typical corporate executive. He did not covet having the role and he wasn’t in it for the $1.7 million salary.

Pulling back from the edge People often tend to judge others on obvious superficial success, but Mark says his time as CEO is best judged on what the company was saved from and how it is now positioned for the future. “Often, preventing disaster is as important as obvious success; saving a team from relegation is sometimes a greater achievement than winning the championship.”

Understanding just how close The Warehouse Group was to potential catastrophe is integral to understanding how important Mark’s work has been to the company.

When he took the helm in 2011 the core red shed business had been in sales decline for a good seven years, decreasing at two to three percent year after year. This trend meant the business could have been heading for a potential loss in the medium term.

“We were heading into very difficult territory.

The situation would have been 10 times worse if we’d done nothing. And who knows, the red sheds may have even reached a point where it became unrecoverable. Many probably don’t see this; they don’t see this potential counterfactual scenario, which we prevented.”

“In itself it is not going to help you win. You’ve got to get the products right, you’ve got to get the prices right and the team have to have a smile.

But it’s a critical element in that cocktail of the customer experience and it had fallen behind.”

Some critics accused Mark of taking The Warehouse too upmarket, but he strongly rejected those comments. “In no way were we taking The Warehouse upmarket. It was about being discount and contemporary, not being cheap and unpleasant - there is a big difference.”

I don’t think everything in life is about enjoyment, but it has been very fulfilling and very purposeful. What has ultimately been the most fulfilling is to see the energy come back into the business.

”

Service with a smile

Steven Tindall, founder of The Warehouse, built a strong business DNA in the 1990s, but Mark says that had slipped in the 2000s, corroding To reverse the decline Mark headed a programme with it the employee culture. “The team were that involved investing in the stores, investing in quite demotivated at the time.” its people and improving its products.

Boosting the work ethic and engagement of “It’s now had five years of decent sales growth 12,000 staff across the group wasn’t a quick or and we accomplished a huge amount. Sure, simple job. more profit growth as well would have been lovely, yes, but I’m pretty satisfied with where we’ve landed.”

Refitting the red sheds Mark says “retail isn’t rocket science” and that isn’t a flippant comment as he explains it comes down to four core areas. “Products, prices, promotions and the customer experience, whether that is instore on online.”

In fact he’d stepped down to a one day a week advisory role for TWG in the mid 2000s to work on a theology degree. “I wasn’t particularly driven He recognised that the business had fallen from a traditional corporate career perspective.” behind in several of those areas, in particular the Holding the title of CEO was never a role he saw customer experience. himself in long term, yet his decision to take on the role was straightforward. “There was a job to “A lot of our stores were very tired. We’d fallen behind on the store reinvestment programme.” do and I had the certain skills needed to do it. I committed for a maximum of five years and that This meant a substantial investment in refitting is exactly how it’s played out.” and reinvigorating the stores.

A major part of putting a spring back into its employee’s step has been the Career Retailer Wage. Introduced in 2013 it increased thousands of trained and experienced staff pay who have completed all the required training levels for a role.

The move was a bid to reposition retail as a viable career. “A lot of people talk down about retail as a career, but you can have a great career in retail. It has been good to play a part in changing that perception through the Career Retailer Wage.”

Mark also led the way in helping to initiate the Retailer Degree at Massey University.

Digital Revolution The digital revolution has put the power in the hands of the consumer. Last year alone New Zealanders spent almost $2.5 billion in online overseas purchases.

While it has created considerably more competition in the local retail sector, Mark says businesses can’t be frightened by it. “We’ve got to step up and compete rather than run away.”

When Mark took over the group was getting online at a snail's pace. The team accelerated the transition and got the full range of products online within a year.

“

- MARK POWELL, FORMER CEO

morning? No, you’ll never have that in any organisation, but the weight of the general mood and culture is definitely much more positive and generally people are pretty engaged across the group.”

With an aligned executive team, Mark engaged with staff and created clarity in the organisation.

“You’ve got to have clarity of purpose, clarity of principles and clarity of priorities.

“When you’ve got clarity around these three things the organisation has a genuine purpose, expectations are clear and people understand where they fit and how they can contribute.

It also makes them feel valued and leads to good training.

The move paid off; TWG’s online sales soared from $18 million in 2011 to $150 million in the last financial year.

Change of Direction Wrapping up his role late last year he was frequently asked if he had enjoyed the job, but he says the answer wasn’t as simple as a yes or no.

“I don’t think everything in life is about enjoyment, but it has been very fulfilling and very purposeful. What has ultimately been the most fulfilling is to see the energy come back into the business.”

While Mark has made it clear he isn’t looking for another executive position, at 54 he is far from retiring. “I’ve got many, many other interests outside of The Warehouse Group and in some ways I’ve put them on hold for this role.”

He is now enjoying the change of focus away from the incredibly intense and demanding job, splitting his time into three blocks: business, Christian not for profit work and study. He also has a strong interest in politics which he will be exploring further in 2016.

In February he became Massey University’s first CEO-in-residence. The part-time position at the business school sees him serve as a liaison between the university and the business community, a guest lecturer and a mentor for students. He is also sitting on a number of boards and acting as an advisor.

So what can others learn from a man who has two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees under his belt, with a third masters on its way?

Firstly, he says never stop learning - advice that he has evidently followed himself. “It’s healthy to constantly learn, reflect, learn, reflect.

“Secondly you need to be clear about why “When that’s consistently reinforced over time it you are doing your job. That is an important question people need to ask themselves. You raises engagement and builds culture. will be more fulfilled if you are part of something “A lot of people in The Warehouse Group now bigger than yourself that helps other people to see their job in retail as a career, not just a job. flourish. It’s great to have ambitions, but not if they are self-centred.” AT Is every single person bouncing into work every www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 15

News | Money makers

The art of selling

Retail high flyer shares secrets to success Achieving success at a young age is not an easy feat, no matter where you start in life.

Getting onto the career ladder was the first hurdle of many for Elena Baker, a successful Auckland business leader.

Born in Saratov, a large city in the south east of Russia, Elena didn’t have your typical start in life. She was adopted from a Russian orphanage when she was five years old. After 12 years living in Australia, she moved to New Zealand when she was 17, with only her high school certificate and limited retail experience to her name.

The Loop Duty Free at Auckland Airport

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With hard work, determination and a willingness to learn from her mistakes, at 27 years old she now holds a senior management role as retail manager for one of the world’s largest duty free retailers, ARI which operates The Loop Duty Free at Auckland Airport. Below she shares her secrets to success in a demanding business environment.

Elena Baker’s secrets to success Duty Free retailing is a 24/7 operation in a very busy environment with a broad demographic of local and international customers. You need to be quite adaptable and hands on.

Elena Baker - retail manager for one of the world’s largest duty free retailers, ARI, which operates The Loop Duty Free at Auckland airport

In my role I manage, coach and develop around 220 sales staff.

My position involves shift work, which I enjoy along with the buzz of the retail environment in Auckland Airport what has become one of Australasia’s busiest travel hubs.

My team work across a diverse duty free product range which includes some of the top beauty brands in the world and one of the largest selection of wine and spirits in the Southern Hemisphere.

Ensuring staff are kept motivated, happy and upskilled can be challenging in such a fast paced environment, but this challenge is what gets me out of bed in the morning!

the best out of people when challenges crop up, while ensuring you still make the best decision for the business?

outsell me. This is an opportunity for them to learn and for me as a manager to see how they are developing personally.

It’s a big responsibility and it is serious stuff. When you have the responsibility of someone’s wellbeing, you want them to love work, because people who love work deliver great results and then go home with smiles on their faces and engage with their family and that’s what it’s about.

Recognising staff who are dedicated and acknowledging their growth and development within the company is a real motivator, not just for individuals, but for the whole team if handled appropriately.

For people who don’t like their work, it not only impacts their performance, but it’s also going to influence their family in negative ways. That’s the difficult part because sometimes you have to make the calls that aren’t going to please everyone, but it is critical in ensuring your businesses success. As a manager you have to be confident enough to make those calls.

Whilst I have learnt many valuable lessons to date in my career, there are three management tips that I try to live by and would encourage others, whether in managerial positions or small business owners to consider: 1. Be a coach/mentor and motivate your staff and others to reach their personal potential, whatever that might be We all know that leading by example is important, but as a manager, really getting stuck in and actually doing it makes all the difference. Realise that you and your staff are not largely different from one another.

I try to take a big picture approach in my day to day decision making. Although we have 220 staff, I remember that each staff member has a family and I am careful to consider this. I think that One technique I use is to spend time on the shop floor as a sales can be one of the hardest parts in management; how do you get person, often challenging staff with friendly competitions to

2. No one comes to work to fail. Everyone wants to succeed.

Encourage your team to take risks and learn from their mistakes in a safe and supportive environment Find out what your staff are good at and what they want to achieve. Everybody’s human so we all make mistakes, but in my experience business learning comes from owning our mistakes and gaining knowledge and helping your entire team learn from the experience. If employees can face difficulties and turn them into positive experiences, they are much more likely to succeed in the long run.

3. Be a listener, rather than a talker This might sound basic, but it is so often overlooked. Build relationships with staff and be a team player regardless of your position. Communication is key; don’t only talk at your staff, but have two way, equal communication.

Allow staff to have their voices heard and take time to listen to them. Never forget that people can influence the bottom line dramatically if they are led by the right leadership – people are the key to a successful business. AT

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News | Lifestyles

Lifestyles

1.

By Terri Cluckie

1. Normann Copenhagen Congnac glasses When we have a favourite tipple, we usually like to treat it right.

These uniquely designed glasses by Norman Copenhagen are made specifically to enhance the deep colour and liquid movement of cognac. If placed on a table the glass will gently turn, exposing the fine aromas. These glasses are available from Design Denmark as a set of two.

2.

RRP: $147 (set of two) www.designdenmark.co.nz

2. Ruggie alarm clock Ruggie is the “World’s Best Alarm Clock” designed to stop late risers ‘losing to the snooze’. The memory foam rug will sound an alarm of your choice (downloadable from your computer via USB) and will only turn off when you stand on it for three seconds. The best part - it won’t sound again because there is no snooze button! It is currently a Kickstarter project, but well exceeded its March target of US$50,000, so should be hitting bedroom floors in no time.

RRP: Prices vary on Kickstarter www.ruggie.co.nz

3.

3. Design Denmark Stingray Chair A signature lounge chair can be a sweet addition to any room.

This eye catching, almost futuristic interpretation of the classic rocking chair is by Fredericia at Design Denmark and can be used both inside and out. Built for comfort, it accommodates a variety of sitting positions, perfect for lazing in the garden or in the house.

4.

RRP: rices start from $4,419 www.designdenmark.co.nz

4. Kip & Co. velvet duvet cover Some people like to lounge, others just like pretty bedding.

Whatever your vice, this velvet duvet cover from Kip & Co. is the perfect mix of comfort and style for your bed. This 100 percent cotton velvet quilt comes in ‘deep ocean blue’ so adds a kick of colour for minimal palettes in the home.

RRP: $289 www.collectedco.nz

5.

5. Profitec 700 coffee machine For coffee lovers, nothing beats a freshly brewed cup of espresso – especially if it’s coming straight from your own kitchen. This Profitec 700 espresso machine is a little more high maintenance than your average coffee press or instant machine, but it is miles ahead in terms of taste, design and quality. The ultimate domestic espresso machine is semi-automatic with dual-boiler capabilities and timer and temperature displays for easier use. It may be one for the connoisseurs, but plays the part well.

RRP: $4,000 www. espressotools.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 17

IT’S TIME

TO JUMP ONBOARD

THE SUSHI TRAIN An exciting new way to eat sushi has hit Auckland and it’s bringing with it a whole new meaning to the term ‘fast food’.

Sushi Train first brought the rotation sushi bar system – a unique part of the Japanese food culture – to Australia more than 20 years ago with the first restaurant in Queensland’s Surfers Paradise in 1994.

For the uninitiated, Sushi Train is a ‘conveyor belt’ sushi restaurant and yes, just like it sounds, sushi travels on a conveyor belt system and you simply pick your selections from a steady stream of fresh authentic sushi options as they pass by.

Named in recognition of the original concept of taking food dishes past the customer using a model train

railway system, Sushi Train has since developed a simpler, more conventional conveyor system that also takes food past the customer’s table regularly.

Much like the popularity of Asian cuisine itself, the conveyor system was a massive hit with strong demand for the product and Sushi Train soon expanded to 41 stores across Australia.

What is it that makes the sushi-train concept so utterly intriguing to children and adults alike? How is it that having your food served to you via conveyor belt somehow makes the whole meal more fun?

While we may never uncover the secret behind the sushi train’s transcontinental appeal, this exciting new concept has finally made it to

New Zealand shores and there are now two Auckland outlets tucked away in the CBD that will give your chopsticks a run for their wasabi.

Locals love the delicious, easy and fun dining experience offering authentic Japanese fare and your friends will love it too.

Sushi Train Viaduct has been open at 85-89 Customs Street West since 2006 and has since been joined by Sushi Train Chancery at 201A/32 Courthouse Lane.

The menu for both stores are available on the website and feature a delicious range of authentic cuisine from nigiri and aburi to rolls, udon and donburi, complemented by a range of hot dishes, drinks and desserts.

The perfect get together spot.

Sushi Train Viaduct is the perfect place for any office function, office lunch, or after work get together.

With special lunch platters available it is an ideal spot for your lunch break, or better yet, drinks and food are available after office hours, so you can head there once the working day’s done.

All Sushi Train restaurants stick thoroughly to the traditional policy of always providing fresh food, priding themselves on delivering the most delicious, unrivalled sushi every time, with high quality ingredients ensuring only the freshest product.

Highly qualified sushi chefs then professionally transform the ingredients into a product of great aesthetics and even greater quality.

Kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) is a popular style of restaurant in Japan and with 41 Sushi Train restaurants in Australia and now two in Auckland’s CBD, this popular style of dining has to be seen to be believed.

Get in now to find out why Sushi Train makes eating so much fun.

Available on both the Viaduct and in Chancery, come experience the truly authentic feel of Sushi Train whilst dining out on our quality Japanese fare. Made from the freshest ingredients, we successfully incorporate our brilliant flavours with rotating conveyor style presentation to provide the customer with only the most authentic in Japanese experiences.

Viaduct

Unit P, 85-89 Customs Street West, Viaduct, Auckland, New Zealand 1010 Phone: (09)358-3434

www.sushitrainnz.co.nz

Chancery

201A/32 Courthouse Lane, Chancery, Auckland, New Zealand 1010 Phone: (09)368-7200

Special feature | ITM 25th anniversary

ITM – a milestone 25th anniversary To many, Number 8 wire is little more than a 0.16 inch diameter gauge of wire on the British Standard Wire Gauge. In our little corner of the South Pacific it references the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Kiwi mentality.

ITM is an acronym for Independent Timber Merchants Co-operative Limited. It sums up who they are and what they do in just three letters but, like every good Kiwi yarn, there’s so much more to this local success story than that. >

While the phrase “a Number 8 wire mentality” evolved to denote the ability to create or repair machinery using whatever scrap materials are available to hand, its relevance to ITM is uncanny; after all, ITM is one of the leading suppliers of building supplies in New Zealand.

“

Yet the irony doesn’t end there. Much like the innovation behind Number 8 wire itself, ITM was founded as an innovative solution to a complex dilemma.

The history of ITM isn’t long and complicated and it isn’t a product of leveraged corporate takeovers and strategic acquisitions. It’s simply about the hard work and dedication of a small group of pioneering Kiwis.

- KEVIN MAREVICH, ITM FOUNDER

”

The ITM crew gets ready for the company’s 25th anniversary celebrations at the Auckland War Memorial Museum

ITM CEO Scott Duncan, former CEO Gordon Buswell and Original MD Kevin Marevich

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And it is one of success. For 25 years ITM has not only survived, but thrived in an industry traditionally known for its intensely competitive nature, both locally and globally.

By the time a number of our competitors realised what was happening we had a sizeable volume and by the time they tried to close the door on us, the horse had bolted and we didn’t look back.

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The tyranny of isolation has always pushed us to think outside of the box and Kiwis have been known to lead the professional pack when it comes to developing innovative solutions to pressing challenges.

Proud to support ITM Group NZ www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 19

Special feature | ITM 25th anniversary DAVID TAKES ON GOLIATH Like all good Kiwi success stories, the tale of how ITM became one of the leading building supplies merchants in the country has humble beginnings.

In the late 1980s, ITM founder Kevin Marevich headed a small family owned building supplies and timber supplies yard north of Kaitaia called The Factory Building Shop. “I had been selling timber from a local sawmill,” he explains.

“I had come from the building merchant side and had a background working in sawmills etc. but I was struggling to get distributorships, which was a real problem for merchants in those days.”

ITM Board in 1993: Nobel Bardell, Len Haydock, Lindsay Gray, Kevin Marevich and Tony Oetegen

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Major suppliers wouldn’t sell to smaller independent operators individually and they were often having to purchase products such as plasterboard, insulation and plywood from their competitors, which meant they could only add a tiny margin.

20 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

ITM Members and support office staff at conference in 1993

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opportunity to do so much more because I was able to gather more sizeable businesses Kevin approached some like-minded locals which, even though they were well established, and, in 1991, a group of six New Zealanders were still having trouble getting distributorships with wide experience in the building supplies because of a real ‘old boy’s’ network with industry, formed the board of the ITM Cooperative Society in the belief that independently major manufacturers and suppliers at the time. owned businesses could not only survive, but “It became a very strong movement with a lot thrive when they combined their efforts. of support by the sheer volume of people that came on board. We had all been experiencing By banding together, the smaller operators barriers to businesses; barriers which we realised they could actually outsmart their competitors and access products such as couldn’t overcome on our own, but as a group plasterboard, insulation and plywood at we could.” wholesale rates.

The co-operative deliberately kept a low profile.

“It was the right thing at the right time and the “By the time a number of our competitors right mix of personalities that came together to realised what was happening we had a sizeable make it work,” Kevin explains. volume and by the time they tried to close the door on us, the horse had bolted and we didn’t “As soon as we established that buying power, the business developed quickly into an look back.”

Special feature | ITM 25th anniversary Kevin’s drive and ambition propelled the group forward. Always the salesman, he was on the ground doing the legwork and quite simply “didn’t take no for an answer”.

Within a five year timeframe, strong foundations had been laid. “We had made the deals we needed and pretty much had it all tied up.

“There was a strong culture of fellowship, even once we became a large organisation there was a strong family support structure within the group which drove us along well for those initial 10 years.”

There were a number of other members that contributed heavily to the success of the organisation, Kevin explains. “We had a number of clever, committed people made up of small and large independent businesses that contributed to our success.

“It’s been a very rewarding experience working for and developing something on this scale. I’m very proud of ITM and even though I come against them now in my latest role, it doesn’t diminish my wish to see it as a successful organisation.” >

Guests gather in the Museum’s Grand Foyer on the night of the 25th Celebration

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“I wouldn’t try it now,” he laughs. “I didn’t know a hell of a lot. People told me I was wasting my time. But I had a lot of confidence back then.”

Kevin remains proud of the co-operative and is looking forward to seeing where the future takes it. “In my whole working life, it’s been my biggest achievement, so I’m proud of that - I’m proud that it was my initiative. I’m a great believer in the power of groups and small independent businesses.

POWER IN NUMBERS From just a handful of stores in 1991, ITM has grown at a phenomenal rate, faster than any other building material supply network, and now has more than 90 stores and 25 frame and truss manufacturing facilities throughout the country.

• Northland • Auckland • Waikato/Bay of Plenty • Coromandel • Central North Island • Hawkes Bay

Congratulations to ITM for 25 years serving the building industry

JSC Timber is a leading manufacturer and supplier of hardwood and exotic soft wood timber products and is committed to the ongoing development of innovative systems and sustainable timber for the architecture, building and construction industries.

We pride ourselves in supplying quality product and service.

• Wellington • Nelson/Marlborough • Canterbury/West Coast • Dunedin/Otago/Southland. <

Original board members: Lindsay Gray, Shayne Heape and Len Haydock

www.jsctimber.co.nz | Ph 09 412 2800

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 21

22 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Special feature | ITM 25th anniversary THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

“We’ve always enjoyed socialising together and socialising with others, including our suppliers and our customers. That’s become an important part of being involved in the ITM family. It’s about growing and developing relationships with other members.

While ITM started in the top of the North Island, the formula proved so successful that the network soon spread throughout the country.

As well as the advantages of stronger buying power and increased marketing resources, the ITM board’s initial focus also included a passionate commitment to consistency in quality, service and integrity throughout the network.

From those humble beginnings in the early 1990s, the group had to learn how to operate effectively as a relatively sizeable group of independently owned and operated businesses, current ITM CEO, Scott Duncan explains.

Scott Duncan, John Avery, Philip Woolf, David Fleming and Gary Guernier

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All ITM stores are independently owned and operated by people with long experience in the industry. They know the building business inside out and their success is totally dependent on having happy customers, so they really do go the extra mile.

period which really cemented ITM as a household name.”

From just a handful of stores in 1991, ITM has grown at a phenomenal rate, faster than any other building material supply network, and now has more than 90 stores and 25 frame and truss manufacturing facilities right throughout the country.

“It’s our role to continue to help and support them to grow their businesses and ensure they have a long and bright future,” Scott says.

“Although our stores are independent, they are also unified and working together, which is what As the group’s membership has grown, so too makes the difference,” he says. have the stores’ negotiating and buying power, “For the first 10 years the focus was on which has firmly established ITM as the one developing the scale and buying power, merchant that provides competitive prices on a effectively becoming a sustainable cooperative. full range of products and materials.

Then Gordon Buswell (CEO 2000-2014) came Because all ITM stores are independently onboard and focused on developing the brand owned and operated, there is no huge corporate recognition. This saw ITM enter into a number of key sponsorships and that became the bureaucracy. It’s all about teamwork,

co-operation and good people working together to achieve an attractive return on investment for all members.

Being independent means that each of the ITM stores makes their own decisions about what products they want to sell and at what prices.

They get a lot of support from the ITM group, and join a proud and successful history but they run their business the way they want to.

Unlike corporates with a complex hierarchy, all ITM members are equal shareholders with a common interest in the success of the ITM brand.

“That’s also crucial to the success of our members; they find they get help, ideas and mentorship through these relationships. Smaller stores see bigger stores doing something which they can then incorporate into their own business. It’s not about competing against each other, but rather as seeing each other as a shared resource.”

The old saying “strength in numbers” also rings true at ITM. The company’s strength is in its buying power, ensuring that every ITM store can offer customers genuine value, and the co-operative model means that our people have real “skin in the game”. >

Original Logos

Members are encouraged to voice their opinions and to make decisions as part of the cooperative and therefore help determine the path for future ITM growth.

“It’s always been a very social group,” ITM CEO Scott Duncan explains.

Red Stag Timber is honoured to be a key supplier of ITM throughout New Zealand.

We congratulate ITM Support Office and the many ITM branches on 25 years of strong service to the building industry.

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 23

Special feature | ITM 25th anniversary

“

In my roles prior to ITM I had never been in a space where my head and my heart were in the same place.

We have deeper involvement throughout this group than any other organisation I know.

”

- GORDON BUSWELL. FORMER ITM CEO

BUILDING A BRAND Former ITM CEO Gordon Buswell came onboard in 2000 after the initial growth period and was tasked with developing a strong brand and establishing ITM as a household name.

“When I first came to ITM my pledge was to try and combine the best of what a corporate had to offer with the best of owner passion and entrepreneurship,” Gordon says of his role within the co-operative.

It has been an immensely satisfying and rewarding 14 years, Gordon says; a tenure focused on building a brand and cementing ITM’s place as ‘market leaders in trade’.

“Back then I really didn’t understand the true potential of that simple statement.”

Key to the development of a strong brand were the excitement provided by key sponsorships, the personality represented by owners in the TV campaigns and collateral, and the integrity provided by the group standards and commitment to the values embodied in the ITM Charter.

In 2001 when people heard he was taking on the ITM role, he was told he would be “herding cats” and was asked how he could ever expect to control such a group.

“Building the brand was a great experience; the excitement of the ITM Cup, the ITM 500 and the ITM Fishing Show - the personality behind it,” Gordon says.

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49

Gordon and Rose Buswell at the 25th celebration

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It was a post Gordon held for 14 years, during which time he played an integral role in forming many of those key sponsorships.

“I see it as releasing potential and supporting people to reach their potential,” he says. “And I see as much potential in the group today as I did the day I arrived.”

“More of a challenge was building the credibility behind the brand, but ‘going black’ and what ended up as the Charter of Commitments have taken us a long way down that track. I am delighted with the progress we have each made down that path.

sporting event, the ITM SuperSprints, formerly the ITM500, an annual motor racing event for V8 Supercars.

These are successful brand carriers that have elevated the name and further developed the groups identity with its loyal customers. ITM “One hundred percent membership commitment is a trendsetter and where the co-operative to the charter was incredibly satisfying.” has led, its competitors have followed. The partnership with Matt and the V8s will continue ITM is proud of its brand, backed by flagship sponsorships such as the ITM Fishing Show with as long as ITM’s customers enjoy fishing and Matt Watson, and New Zealand’s largest annual motor racing.

Special feature | ITM 25th anniversary The development of a National Account capability was also a critical factor to ITM’s success.

“This capability not only enabled ITM to have a full segment offer across the market, but coordinating member stores on a single national offer became not only a best practice transfer initiative, but also a strong source of positive peer pressure to lift the standards of the group.”

In line with the very foundations of a cooperative, ITM members play an important role in the decision making process and Gordon says developing a system of face to face meetings with co-op members regarding major decisions was a highlight throughout this period.

“Not only were better decisions made, but the engagement and commitment of the membership made implementation much more successful.” <

Matt Watson and guests filming for the ITM Fishing Show

Another key highlight he says was project ‘Bee Gees’, cleverly named after the song lyrics “stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive”.

In 2008 Carters purchased seven of the cooperative’s stores, PlaceMakers then purchased another four and there was an $85 million dollar hole in the organisation’s turnover.

“Over the next four months we targeted the most successful independents that were not in the group and rebuilt the turnover by over $100 million,” Gordon says.

<

Past and present board members: Warwick Ball, Steve McNally, John O’Sullivan, Ross Tebbs, Dawne Mihaere, Mark Giles and James Kendall

“This was a strong signal that ITM wasn’t going to be beaten up by the corporates and that ITM would be a big part of the future. Some of those stores we brought onboard are now part of the backbone of ITM.

“

Trust, transparency and respect were the basis of our internal relationships and also the basis for our supplier relationships.

The win/win relationships internally were the basis of our win/win relationships externally.

- GORDON BUSWELL. FORMER ITM CEO

”

“Trust, transparency and respect were the basis of our internal relationships and also the basis for our supplier relationships. The win/ win relationships internally were the basis of our win/win relationships externally.

“In my roles prior to ITM I had never been in a space where my head and my heart were in the same place. We have deeper involvement throughout this group than any other organisation I know.

“I always felt privileged to have led ITM through that period.”

>

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 25

Special feature | ITM 25th anniversary BEHIND THE BRAND ITM is the name behind that catchy little phrase “We’ll see you right”.

Whether it’s a deck in Dannevirke or a mansion in Marlborough, every project big or small gets the same personalised treatment when you’re dealing with one of ITM’s network of stores throughout the country.

That’s because all the ITM stores right across New Zealand are independently owned by people experienced at working hands-on in the business. They know the building industry inside out and, as their success is totally dependent on having happy customers, they really do go the extra mile.

Chances are, there’s an ITM store close to you, just check out the website to find out where.

When you call in, you can be sure that whatever kind of building you’re into, they’ll see you right, right across the country.

• Building a house (or a number of them) • Building a commercial property • Building a farm property or outbuildings • Renovating • Landscaping • Building retaining walls • Fencing • Building a deck.

“We’re primarily a trade focused business,” current ITM CEO Scott Duncan explains.

“We work with and support all main suppliers in the trade side of the business. All of our stores are unique – some are small, some large, some have joinery businesses attached to them, some do frames and trusses, some have garden centres. They have all been built to meet the local needs in their community.

“Understanding the customers’ needs, trying really hard to anticipate those needs, having local owner-operators who always go the extra mile and really care about the businesses of their customers is how ITM has been able to consistently compete in this area,” he says.

26 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Flagship Sponsorship with V8 Supercars now known as the ITM Auckland Supersprint

Tumu ITM Hawke's Bay

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ITM offers a comprehensive range of building materials, hardware and timber. But because of its co-operative ownership structure, every store has a unique offering, and many of the stores offer complete precut/prenail frames

See ITM when you’re:

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What’s more, the local ITM outlet you deal with is part of a 90-store nationwide co-operative with the buying power to make sure you get the best brands and materials at today’s most competitive prices.

and roof trusses, or manufacturing posi-struts, long-reach floor trusses and flitch beam lintels.

Load bearing beams can also be designed and built (under licence) by many ITM members.

Special feature | ITM 25th anniversary Most importantly is working with and supporting suppliers that have top brands and top quality products. “When our customers are building someone’s house, that’s potentially their customer’s biggest asset,” Scott says.

<

Scott Duncan, current ITM CEO

“It’s important for us to know that we’re supplying those top quality brands that are going to make sure that home is the best home it can possibly be. It’s important for the local owner-operator to know they are supplying that top quality product and it’s important for the homeowner to know they don’t have to worry about the quality of product they’re receiving from ITM.” “We also pride ourselves on supplying everything the builder needs to create someone’s home.”

ITM FAST FACTS • The ITM Group was established in 1991 • ITM is a co-operative made up of likeminded individuals and businesses • There are now more than 90 stores and 25 frame and truss manufacturing facilities • A recent rebranding has seen branding change to black and yellow • ITM is experiencing a record year after a great year in the 2014/2015 year • Flagship sponsorships include the ITM Fishing Show and the ITM SuperSprints • ITM offers a comprehensive range of building materials, hardware and timber

So what does Scott pride the stores on?

“There are three key things: their ability to develop long lasting relationships which really matter to our customers; delivering genuine value for money to our customers; and ensuring that our customers are more successful for being ITM customers.

• ITM is an acronym for Independent Timber Merchants Co-operative Limited

“We work in partnership with our customers to make them more successful and anticipate their needs wherever we can.” >

• For 25 years ITM has not only survived, but thrived in a fiercely competitive market.

• The co-operative was formed to access products at wholesale rates • All ITM stores are independently owned and operated by passionate locals

Proudly Supporting ITM for 25 Years Locally made GIB® plasterboard has been lining kiwi homes since 1927. Products and systems you can trust, and just like ITM support you can depend on.

GIB® Helpline 0800 100 442 www.gib.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 27

Special feature | ITM 25th anniversary

ITM TODAY Today there are 94 sites and 76 shareholders across ITM, from Kaitaia to Invercargill.

When asked, store owners from across the group refer to the ‘ITM family’ as a diverse range of personalities but all in it together, pulling in the same direction. "There is a sense that collectively we operate as a highly successful and nimble organisation. We are like-minded and loyal."

This solidarity has been consolidated through regular meetings such as the national and regional days and the conferences. The appetite for networking events such as the conferences, sporting and platinum supplier events have been a key feature of the calendar.

Across the network, customers are prioritised. Relationship is valued and championed and this is key to retaining the customers ITM has.

Independent means all running their own businesses, in their own regions. Not dictated by a head office. And as such can diversify according to the needs of the community they service i.e. some have frame and truss plants, joinery plants and even garden centres.

A recent rebranding has seen the look and feel of ITM stores throughout the country receive a modern makeover and a move to black and yellow will take the co-operative into the future.

“Over the last few years we have modernised the look and feel of our stores, re-energised the

brand and brought it up to date, which has been a great for morale booster for the business, and our customers and suppliers have really appreciated that.”

ITM is already experiencing a record year after a great year in the 2014/2015 year. “We’re expecting this to carry on for a few more years.

Across the board everyone is doing well. We’re conscious good times don’t last, so we’re making sure we don’t get complacent, that we’re always focused on what the customers want and need and delivering that as best we can,” Scott says.

“A big focus moving forward is continuing to make sure we build and strengthen those relationships with trade, ensuring we put the customer first, continuing to focus on strong relationships with our suppliers, buying well and using the knowledge and scale across ITM to make sure our stores are operating as well as they can be to meet those needs.

stores around the country. Another challenge that comes with being a national group is that different regions are in different spaces at the same time. When Canterbury is getting tougher, somewhere like Auckland or Waikato will be booming. We have to be able to look after and support our co-operative members throughout the country no matter what challenges they’re facing at the time.

“Overall it’s about helping stores know what they can do better to continually improve their performance and what they provide to customers.

“ITM began as just a few independent entrepreneurial people in the far north, who wanted to compete with bigger firms by buying at similar rates as bigger competitors, and it was the hard work and entrepreneurial drive of our former managing director and founder Kevin Marevich and those early members who have made it what it is today.

“The first 10 years was about developing the scale and buying power, then Gordon Buswell came on board and focused on developing the brand recognition. Now there’s not a builder in “The building industry goes up and down, as the the country who doesn’t know ITM,” Scott says. housing market and economy do. ITM has had “Now 25 years later, my job is to build on both to face boom times when it has been hard to keep up with demand, and tough times when the of those things, ensuring we stay focused on buying well to benefit our customers using demand just isn’t there and we’ve had to work that brand to grow our share of the building hard to keep our heads above the water. materials market, and now that we’re 25 years “We’ve learnt to be very nimble on our feet, to old, we’re handing some businesses onto the be able to adjust to the fluctuating conditions we next generation who will then have challenges find ourselves in as a group and as individual taking business onwards and upwards into the future.

The building industry is a fluctuating market and, as a result, ITM has learnt to be fluid and adaptable to change.

“The future for ITM certainly looks great and is built on the really firm foundations laid over these last 25 years.” AT

ITM MANUFACTURING Pre-made frames, trusses and engineered timber.

ITM is not only the place for a comprehensive range of building materials, hardware and timber, but there are also ITM stores that offer complete precut/prenail frames and roof trusses, manufacturing posi-struts, long-reach floor trusses and flitch beam lintels.

PRENAILED WALL FRAMES AND ROOF TRUSSES Because they are precision fabricated exactly to spec by ITM, you can save a huge amount of time on site and build better quality homes faster and more cost effectively than traditional on-site building methods.

LOAD BEARING BEAMS Three types of beams can be designed and built (under licence) by many ITM members: • Gangnail Flitch beams • Ganglam timber beams • Posi-strut rafters and joints.

ITM Support office 38 Tarndale Grove Rosedale Auckland T (09) 415 2787 Freephone 0800 480 114 E info@itm.co.nz www.itm.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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28 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Focus | Allied Concrete

Allied Concrete - make hard easy Courage and commitment required to make the most of the Auckland construction boom

A long lasting concrete surface is the result of a number of factors – timing, the right formula and the right conditions. It’s not unlike a business which, with the right people, product and a receptive market, can also create great things.

24-hour

breakdown service

With a network of branches and dealerships nationwide, from Invercargill to Whangarei, Truck Stops works hard to get you back safely and quickly on the road.

Which certainly goes a long way towards explaining the success of Allied Concrete - a company that has cemented itself a strong position in the New Zealand concrete market since Bill Richardson purchased his first plants in Invercargill and Gore in 1976.

Quality service plans with a genuine difference

Owned by one of New Zealand’s largest trucking firms, Invercargill based HW Richardson Group (HWR), Allied Concrete is a leading ready mix concrete supply company operating 55 concrete plants across the country running some 300 trucks.

Specifically developed for the trucks that we service to help you get the maximum performance and life out of your vehicle, offering you the best service and the best technicians.

Allied Concrete has maintained a strong and capable presence in the Auckland market since the mid-1990s. Its production plants at Silverdale, Avondale, Penrose, East Tamaki and Bombay have a combined fleet of 80 trucks, delivering concrete to the city’s busy residential, commercial and infrastructure markets.

Brands you know,

The company has recently been involved in significant upgrades to State Highway 16 with Fulton Hogan and Leighton Contractors, a $70m project widening a two kilometre long section of the motorway, improvements to the motorway ramps and the St Lukes Road - Great North Road intersection, and widening of the St Lukes Road overbridge.

Newmarket Viaduct project (completed in 2013), and prior to that with the Johnstone’s Hill Tunnels project (completed in 2009) north of Orewa.”

ITM has also recently signed a national agreement with the company, making Allied Concrete a preferred supplier for their 90 store nationwide co-operative.

“This is an example of strong client relationships which have been developed through our technical expertise and resources to deliver large engineering projects,” Northern (Northland & Auckland) regional manager, Blair Macfarlane explains.

A recent commercial project saw Allied Concrete involved in the development of New Zealand’s first purpose-built whitewater park – the Wero Whitewater Park in Manukau, beside the Vodafone Events Centre in Great South Road – with HEB Construction.

While Allied Concrete is involved in some of the country’s largest and most complex commercial and infrastructural projects, the biggest focus in Auckland at the moment is residential construction and development. >

“We have continued to work as a preferred supplier with these companies, based on relationships we established through the

“This is another valued client who works with us based on our capability and expertise,” Blair says.

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Focus | Allied Concrete

“

It’s important to recognise that concrete is a substantial and long term investment. Home owners especially need to consider aesthetic opportunities, and planning for professional supply and installation. While the initial investment may cost a little more, it certainly boosts the long term value of your project.

- BLAIR MACFARLANE, NORTHERN REGIONAL MANAGER

chain. Auckland precast concrete unit lead times are now at 20 weeks – double the rest of the country. Ready mix supply lead times are heading toward three weeks for prime time bookings: Blair estimates there is currently a 20 percent waste in concrete delivery fleet utilisation across Auckland due to poor industry practice.

“It’s important to recognise that concrete is a substantial and long term investment. Home owners especially need to consider aesthetic opportunities, and planning for professional supply and installation. While the initial investment may cost a little more, it certainly boosts the long term value of your project.

“People think concrete capacity just comes off the shelf, but we plan each day based on the orders we’ve got and the delivery fleet available,” Blair explains. “So when orders are changed last minute, the plan falls apart, deliveries are late, which puts pressure on everyone.

“At the moment the Auckland market is being driven by residential growth. We’re now seeing the strongest growth in 40 years,” Blair says. “As a result, there’s a lot of pressure on production and delivery capacity.”

Poor planning and late order-changes are putting unnecessary pressure on the supply

30 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

”

During the years Allied Concrete has developed a range of residential decorative concretes, in a large range of colours and aggregates. Its new showroom at the Penrose plant enables builders, homeowners and designers to come in and view samples of products and discuss their requirements with staff, from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday and Saturdays by appointment.

“When people book flights, they do whatever it takes to get to the airport in time for checkin, as opposed to changing their flights an hour before take off,” he says. “We’re keen to lead change in the market by encouraging ‘on-time’ performance by everyone involved.

Focus | Allied Concrete This desire to see all parties succeed has been at the core of the company since the very early years when Bill Richardson founded H.W.Richardson, and continues to be reflected in the strong relationships Allied Concrete forms and maintains with key clients.

Focus | Randwick Park Pavilion

A project to connect a community

The HWR Group motto is ‘Great Gear, Great People, Great Mates’. Allied Concrete runs a fleet of distinctive blue and yellow Mack trucks from modern, well specified and capable plants throughout the country.

A trusted partnership arrangement with respected and capable suppliers like Holcim, BOSFA, Sika, Truck Stops and Gough provides key clients with the assurance that they are working with the best in the industry and provided with the highest quality product, service and support.

And, when it comes to great mates, the company works hard for those key clients to understand their business from the inside out.

“Reducing risk, loss and waste will be the key to success in Auckland’s construction sector as the market continues to heat up,” Blair says. “Bill Richardson always believed in playing with a straight bat and working with people to ensure everyone wins. At Allied Concrete, our team will always work with you to make hard, easy.” AT “If the construction industry wants to make the most of concrete delivery capacity in Auckland, we need to get smarter about how we plan work and order concrete now. As the Auckland construction boom really kicks in, courage and commitment in planning will be required by us all to prevent ready mix concrete supply becoming a bottleneck.”

Allied Concrete – Northern Region 20 Leon Leicester Ave Penrose Auckland T 0800 4 ALLIED (0800 425 543) www.alliedconcrete.co.nz — Advertising Feature

In 2006, more than 3,000 people called the 1970’s South Auckland housing development of Randwick Park, home.

There was nothing distinguishing about the district set to the east of the motorway at Manurewa. And, that’s how it remained until father of three Navtej Singh was shot by a small group of armed robbers in 2008 and the quiet neighbourhood gained national notoriety.

A candlelight vigil was held to mourn his death and symbolically reclaim the neighbourhood for the community. Later that year, the Randwick Park residents’ group was formed to improve and beautify the local district.

Our supply is assured 60,000t of premium grade cement stored in two domes located in the North and South Islands.

60,000t contained in 2 vessels each carrying 30,000t in transit at any one time. 30,000t stored in 9 depots throughout New Zealand.

Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd. There’s strength in numbers.

Central to those plans was a neglected 7.1ha reserve with a checkered past. But now, thanks to the dedication of this group of locals, that has all changed. “We talked about making improvements to street lighting for safety and repairing footpaths,” Randwick Park Residents’ Association chairperson, Maree Beaven explains.

“We talked about how the local kids were bored and we discussed what we could do to improve the area for ourselves.”

Local councillor for Manukau City Council, Daniel Newman was at that 2008 meeting. He wanted to encourage community involvement and offered his assistance, which culminated in a number of community events including a kite day and sausage sizzle. “It was just small things, but it kept gaining traction.”

At the centre of Randwick Park there was a dated playground and a very simple skate park, or at least “a bit of concrete”, Maree laughs. Gang members would drink there and then the local Life Church would have to come and paint out the graffiti.

“Daniel said, ‘dream, if the money was there, what would you do?’”

www.holcim.co.nz

New Randwick Park resident Dave Tims, who had been involved in skate parks previously, got together with a group of local skaters to dream and design a new skate park. In March 2014, the new $1.5m skate park and sporting facilities opened, with hard courts, volleyball courts, a playground, community gardens, market spaces and provision for a future Early Childhood Centre.

This was all created around the ideas from the original drawings by locals with council. “I live

right next door and it is always full of children,” Maree says.

“It’s extremely popular and there are always kids out there trying new tricks, it’s great to see them all busy and happy.”

But the new skate park was just the halfway point for Riverton Reserve’s $4.5 million redevelopment plans which, at its heart, will feature the new Randwick Park Pavilion, a multiuse pavilion which provides a series of flexible, multi-purpose spaces arranged around a central open plan communal kitchen.

Expected to be completed soon, the servery and gathering space connects both the interior and exterior social areas. The entrance forecourt and northern plaza provides landscaped external activity zones for large gatherings and events.

“The building will essentially form a central meeting space for the community, where adults can go for a coffee while the kids are playing in park, to get people engaged in the community.

Locals will be running it and locals will be using it – that’s our dream.” AT

Randwick Park Residents’ Association www.randwickpark.co.nz Opus Architecture www.opus.co.nz

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 31

the most

keting

team in mar Marketing Works has a reputation for being bold and standing out from the crowd. Its logo is a lion, there is a foosball table in its reception and the team are always up for a good laugh, but it is serious about building brands that have legs.

The Auckland based marketing firm takes great pride in supporting other businesses to find their own identity, be bold and stand-out– after all that’s what it does best.

When businesses engage with Marketing Works they receive an all-inclusive service from concept to design to print and application.

The business is known for developing unique strategies, branding and design, flawless digital printing (large and small format) and prop building for specialty events or ad campaigns.

The company is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Marcus and Megan East, who are a hard working and ambitious duo.

It was established in 1997 by John East, Marcus’s dad. The pair purchased the family business in 2003 and took the fledgling company and taught it how to fly, creating what clients see and experience today.

“We are constantly trying to better our systems and processes and streamline where possible, which is not always straightforward in a multi-offering company like this.”

Megan says it has undergone considerable growth and expanded its offering extensively. “At the time of purchasing the business much of the driving factor was specialty prop build. Very quickly we identified an opportunity to expand, with that we made the decision to bring as many of our service offerings in-house. The ability

to be able to manage a job from concept to completion is very rewarding.”

Today Marketing Works cliental is “a great mix of clients ranging from the local startups to international brands,” Megan says.

And its that variety they enjoy working with.

So, what makes Marketing Works so great at what it does? Put simply, it’s the highly dedicated team with great personalities, who together strive to produce the best marketing in the business.

“We are all incredibly straight up, there are no surprises or fancy footwork – you get what you see.” This is probably why Marketing Works can boast fantastic customer retention. Keeping it real works every time, Megan says.

When clients approach Marketing Works for a job they generally have a specific project in mind, but it quickly leads onto them adding on multiple services. “See that’s how good we are.”

The team have a number of different projects on the go at any one time, but she says they are particularly thrilled about the national roll out of over 75 Bottle-O stores throughout the country we’ve completed to date.

“We are also very excited about a new liquor store chain, with its first store in Pt Chev. We’ve been involved with the name to branding, shop design, print and installation.”

MARKETING WORKS SERVICES • Branding and design, including logos, brochures and web • Flawless digital printing, both small and large format • Specialty prop building

DIGITAL SIGNAGE The digital revolution has seen almost all material that we once had in hard copy transferred onto a screen and that has included signs.

The increasingly popular option of digital signage offers unlimited creative options and a dynamic, powerful way to create customer engagement.

Digital Signage may be a new a field, but Marketing Works is already an old hand at the electronic advertising.

It offers a full digital signage service, from hardware to installation and software.

“Having an in-house design studio means we can also create the content. A lot of companies offering digital signage can’t do that,” Megan says.

Digital Signage is an area it knows and loves. The team is equipped to assist clients with anything they need -from hardware to installation, right through to content creation.

From digital signage solutions, 3D Signage, installations and site plan management Marketing Works can do it all.

THE BENEFITS OF DIGITAL SIGNAGE Content is easily updatable •

The great advantage behind digital signage design is the ability to update content at the click of a finger.

Influence purchases decisions •

REBRANDING

WHY REBRAND?

If your business’s image is looking old, tired and unprofessional or if it being drowned out by the buzz of the newer or larger competition then it may be time to rebrand.

Competitive advantage - A brand is the public face of a business. As the economic climate changes, brands must change along with it. A well planned and executed rebrand will enable a company to reflect current market dynamics and thereby gain competitive advantage and increase its market share.

Marketing Works treats rebranding with a strong strategic focus, and always has its client’s best interests at heart. It listens and works collaboratively with its clients to build and rebrand seamlessly across all platforms.

Its total rebrand package is inclusive of design, print, signage, and installation for local and corporate businesses.

Rebranding may sound daunting but there can be many advantages to a timely rebrand and revitalization.

Expansion - When a small business prospers and expands, its products frequently require a rebrand or revitalization to reflect the larger, more sophisticated business it has become.

Start-up marketing - One of the main mistakes start-up businesses typically make in the early stages of development is overlooking the importance of marketing and branding their company image.

But start-up branding and advertising is an incredibly important component to a new businesses overall success. The care a new company takes in marketing to its demographic signals that it intends to be a reliable and recognizable business for the long term.

Marketing Works understands that starting up is never easy, which is why it wants to help those new in business to establish a clear and compelling brand identity, set themselves apart from the competition and encourage loyal customers.

Megan says it is enthusiastic about helping local start-ups to create their own identity, whether that’s through design, advertising or signage. “We love working with people that allow us to turn up the ideas and believe in what we are suggesting will work best for their brand across all channels.”

Most purchase decisions are made instore, therefore a digital display that uses a combination of high quality images and video can have a powerful influence on buying decisions.

Attracts attention •

The high definition displays combined with vivid colours and the ability to include elements such as news feeds and online video allows advertisers to break through the noise associated with traditional advertising and connect with customers.

MARKETING WORKS CAMPAIGNS ARE AIMED AT DELIVERING QUANTIFIABLE RESULTS. • Raise your profile • Engage your customers • Boost your bottom line www.marketingworks.nz

Focus | Auto Super Shoppes

Keeping you and your fleet on the road Need your fleet serviced by a reputable and reliable automotive company? Auto Super Shoppes is the place to go; the business has the largest network of repairers in New Zealand and is the only one to offer nationwide fleet servicing on one account.

Every workshop offers customers comprehensive car servicing and repairs for all vehicles, including European brands.

Keeping your fleet running Each Auto Super Shoppes member is an approved repairer for some of New Zealand’s largest fleet companies and can service all makes and models, even if they are still under warranty with the dealer.

Unlike any other automotive repairer, Auto Super Shoppes can offer the convenience that comes with central billing and the added value of set fleet servicing costs nationwide.

They especially love the convenience of having just one account, but the choice of over 80 workshops.

General manager Kellie Tremayne is happy to discuss tailored fleet requirements for customers who have 20 or more vehicles. All Auto Super Shoppes are familiar with fleet maintenance schedules and many offer free pickup and delivery of vehicles, in addition to courtesy cars.

Auto Super Shoppe Albany 49d William Pickering Drive, Albany, Auckland Phone 09 415 8569 Email david@supershoppes.co.nz

We actively hunt out quality workshops in areas where we have a gap and invite them to apply, but they must meet the high standard of an Auto Super Shoppe.

- KELLIE TREMAYNE

”

As a group, they invest very heavily in the latest scan tools and can diagnose and repair all vehicle models and brands.

In addition, Auto Super Shoppes has fleet maintenance partnerships with LeasePlan, Fleet Partners and Yoogo to name a few. They understand that Auto Shoppes provide a level of service and professionalism that matches any new car dealerrship workshop.

Celebrating 10 years This year Auto Super Shoppes turns 10 and in just one short decade has grown to be New Zealand’s largest network of premium automotive repairers. There is an Auto Super Shoppe near you – so put your vehicle in the hands of the professionals.

Auto Super Shoppe Enterprise 44 Enterprise Street, Birkenhead, Auckland Phone 09 480 9335 Email enterprisemotors@xtra.co.nz

34 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Auto Super Shoppes founders David Storey, left, and Geoff Harper, with general manager Kellie Tremayne

<

Many large corporates love this option to keep their fleet costs in check and for the peace of mind of knowing that their company vehicles are looked after by reputable, qualified technicians no matter where in New Zealand they are.

“

Each workshop in the group has been selected because they are a premium automotive repair centre

<

Auto Super Shoppes operates a network of more than 80 workshops throughout the country, which operate as independent general automotive repairers, rather than franchises. They are all ‘locally owned and nationally known’.

Auto Super Shoppes has grown rapidly in its 10 years of existence, with growth driven by its innovative founders, David Storey and Geoff Harper.

Each workshop in the group has been selected because they are a premium automotive repair centre, offering the highest standard of service possible. They operate under a no surprise policy, so costs remain in check. Customers are contacted if any additional repairs are needed.

Today the Auto Super Shoppes group has 80 workshops within its member network, with individual owners benefiting from the strong and reputable brand name.

David and Geoff formed the business with the intention of setting up a group that offered a real point of difference in terms of its professional standards and service.

Auto Super Shoppe Forrest Hill

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Focus | Auto Super Shoppes

<

Auto Super Shoppes is the answer to your vehicle fleet requirements

High quality automotive services Auto Super Shoppes offer a comprehensive range of services to customers throughout the country, including: • Car servicing – all service prices quoted include new oil and filter (beware of those who quote prices that exclude the cost of these essential elements) • Warrant of fitness • Clutch repairs • Automatic transmission servicing – transmission failure is the main cause of mechanical failure in cars. Auto Super Shoppes is able to keep your transmission in top working order • Brake repairs and servicing • Car air-conditioning

• CV joints • Car battery – a flat battery is the most common reason for calling roadside rescue • Exhausts and mufflers • Fleet maintenance

They identify several key points of difference that have made their business model unique, including the fact they are extremely selective about who can join the group, which is done by invitation only. All operators must run clean, professional workshops with a high standard of qualified technicians.

Geoff and David do not dictate how each workshop is to be run, but offer help and support to ensure each owner grows their business into the best it can be.

Auto Super Shoppe membership comes with true value, including fantastic buying power and benefits from their supplier network.

Kellie Tremayne says the good reputation of Auto Super Shoppes means workshops now approach the group asking to join, although typically it is by invitation only.

The skilled team at your local Auto Super Shoppes can repair and maintain your vehicle, regardless of the make and model

<

• Cambelt and timing belt – being proactive in replacing your car’s cambelt could save you thousands of dollars

Beginning on the North Shore, Auto Super Shoppes soon added other local outlets and began its nationwide expansion, with Geoff and David touring the country looking for suitable businesses to add to the group.

“We actively hunt out quality workshops in areas where we have a gap and invite them to apply, but they must meet the high standard of an Auto Super Shoppe,” she says. “We regularly reject applications because they don’t meet our standard.” AT

• Fuel economy and emission testing • Oil change • Radiator repairs and flush • Suspension, shock absorbers and steering • Engine management diagnostics • Tyres and wheel alignment.

Auto Super Shoppes Head Office 49D William Pickering Drive Albany Auckland T (09) 085 0663 E admin@supershoppes.co.nz www.autosupershoppes.co.nz — Advertising Feature

LOOKING AT GROWING YOUR BUSINESS?

Contact us on: (03) 961 5176

Part of the

Michies Automotive Services 20 Como Street, Takapuna, Auckland Phone 09 486 2029 Email michies@xtra.co.nz

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The Best Automotive Clinic Unit G, 245 Burswood Drive, Auckland Phone 09 273 7310 Email mark@bestautomotive.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 35

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Focus | WorkSafe New Zealand

Focus | Health & Safety

Keep calm and keep safe Calm down - that’s the message from WorkSafe chief executive, Gordon MacDonald with the implementation of the new Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) which came into effect on April 4.

“In recent media coverage there has been ill-informed comment about the impact of this legislation which has been a mixture of over-reaction, misinformation and scare-mongering.”

Gordon says there have been clear health and safety workplace duties for more than 20 years, many of which are being carried over to the new legislation.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) does not mean a whole new list of risks has to be managed – risk management has always been part of workplace health and safety. The new aspects in HSWA clarify duties and are designed to better protect workers in New Zealand’s workplaces.

“That makes it all the more disappointing to hear wild claims about sports events likely to be cancelled, principals putting houses into trusts and bowling clubs being forced to take down coat racks,” he says.

“If a claim about the impact of the new law sounds far-fetched – then it almost certainly is. Some people do not understand the law, are being given very dodgy advice or are being wilfully ignorant of its requirements.”

Gordon says rather than the new law focusing on petty issues, it tackles significant areas where there is a need for improvement to help keep Kiwi workers health and safe.

These include: • Everyone has a role to play from a director to a worker. HSWA recognises that businesses and their directors have more influence and control than workers • Companies are required to involve their workers in health and safety matters - that’s making sure that the frontline, where the dangers lie, is fully represented in business decision-making.

• WorkSafe is providing information through the website (www.worksafe.govt.nz) and through a wide variety of industry sector groups and organisations such as the Ministry of Education.

The information campaign will continue to ramp up, including formal guidance, online tools, case studies and fact sheets in the coming months.

“It is vital we don’t get side-tracked by doomsday scenarios that simply won’t occur under the new law. We must keep focused on what’s important.

“Between picking up a paper on Sunday morning containing these sorts of claims, and heading off to work on a Monday morning, approximately 60 New Zealanders suffer injuries or worse in the workplace.

That’s what the country needs to focus on sorting out,” Gordon says. AT

New safety excellence award Site Safe and the New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB) is pleased to announced a new health and safety award as part of the 2016 NZIOB Awards for Excellence.

The new award will be the Site Safe Safety Excellence Award and will be open to anyone in the built environment who is in a position to influence best practice Health & Safety (H&S) initiatives, innovations and behaviours.

As part of the new arrangement, entry for the safety excellence award will be free for both NZIOB and Site Safe members.

Site Safe chief executive Alison Molloy says they are excited about partnering with NZIOB. “We see this as an amazing opportunity to showcase excellence in the sector with such a prestigious event. The new safety excellence award is a way to recognise individuals and celebrate their efforts in health and safety, and we look forward to the collaboration with the industry.”

NZIOB chief executive Malcolm Fleming says “NZIOB is pleased to be partnering with Site Safe in promoting health & safety throughout the design, documentation, and delivery stages of the construction process.

"xx vIn adopting entry criteria that recognises the construction lifecycle, the Site Safe Safety Excellence Award is open to all construction and property practitioners.”

The NZIOB Awards for Excellence are unique in that they the only New Zealand building industry national awards that recognise the individual. The awards celebrate an individual’s professional excellence in the building and construction process, as opposed to recognising the completed project or structure.

Entries are sought from the full range of construction and property professionals, from the property owner, to design practitioners (i.e. safety in design), to contractors.

The NZIOB Awards aim to celebrate the people behind the building projects. The awards are open to anyone in the industry and entries are judged by a panel of respected experts from the building industry. AT For more information or to enter the award please visit http://nziobawards.org.nz/

Take the lead on health and safety The new Health and Safety at Work Act came into force on April 4. WorkSafe New Zealand’s Marcus Nalter explains some of the changes from the 1992 law it replaces.

Construction is big business. It is a $30 billion dollar industry that generates about six percent of New Zealand’s economic activity and employs almost 200,000 people.

But it is also small business – 87 percent of construction companies employ fewer than 10 people. For many of those businesses the owner will be the director, the chief executive, chief financial officer, site foreman, company secretary and probably orders the morning tea every second day.

When it comes to health and safety everyone needs to play their part – from the company owner to the casual labourer. And with the new Health and Safety at Work at Act now in force, there has never been a better time to turn your mind to health and safety.

Health and Safety is everyone’s business There needs to be leadership at all levels – and that starts at the top with directors and chief executives.

Under the new law they have to do ‘due diligence’ for health and safety in much the same way as they are expected to for financial reporting. Directors are not expected to be personally on site ensuring that workplace risks, such as working at height and asbestos are properly managed, but they need to ensure to workplace. But the law is clear – if it relates that their business is well set up to handle to health and safety then there needs to be health and safety. meaningful discussion with workers.

That’s more than just checking that there’s a health and safety policy; they need to know that As well as asking workers for feedback on specific questions, all businesses need to it is working and have good reporting systems so that they are fully informed about health and have clear, well known ways for workers to raise suggestions or issues on a day-to-day safety performance. basis. Many construction companies already For larger construction firms that might start the day with a toolbox talk - that’s mean the board sets up health and safety one simple way to get everyone involved in subcommittees – as recommended by the discussing health and safety, spotting issues Financial Market Authority. Lawyers Chapman and suggesting solutions.

Tripp suggest that boards should make health and safety a standing item on their agendas Get ready and should consider the health and safety While the law has changed, the fundamentals implications of decisions on timeframes, of keeping people safe on a building site have budgets and bonuses. not. The law doesn’t change the way to put up Health and safety is not something you do once a scaffold or set up an exclusion zone around and then file away on a shelf – there needs to be a crane, but the Health and Safety at Work Act ongoing vigilance. does require businesses to take identifying and managing risks seriously.

It’s not just one-way traffic though - workers also need to take responsibility themselves for To be clear that doesn’t mean you are expected acting in a safe and healthy way. This means to eliminate all risks at any cost. That’s not wearing the right gear (and reminding a mate possible, particularly in an industry that involves who isn’t), following proper health and safety heavy machinery, power tools and working processes and taking five to plan how to do a at height. But you need to have good task safely when a situation changes. processes for identifying risks and putting in place sensible controls. AT

Worker engagement – and participation

The new law also introduces a requirement on all businesses to engage with workers on health and safety matters. It doesn’t set in stone what form that engagement must take. That will vary from industry to industry and workplace

To find out more about the Health and Safety at Work Act, including details about worker engagement and participation, visit the WorkSafe website at www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/hswa.

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 37

Focus | Safeworx

Making your workplace safer Kiwi innovation stems from the classic No. 8 Wire mentality, where we made do and improvised with what we could find out in the shed because New Zealand was remote and manufactured goods hard to come by.

Much like No. 8 Wire, local firm Safeworx can also trace its beginnings to the New Zealand garage, when its founder Dave Sextone and his wife Justine started the company in the year 2000 with the Papakura family home as their base.

“Our conviction to ensure quality products for the end user has required us to be daring and innovative in producing new products and improving existing ones, across a range of applications,” Safeworx general manager, Allan Woods says.

And, while the Kiwi traits of ‘No 8 Wire ingenuity’ and a ‘Kiwi can-do attitude’ are at the core of this innovative local firm, its range of personal protection equipment (PPE) and products for commercial, industrial, construction, specialised chemicals, transport and power industries, are nothing less than the highest of commercial quality.

“We partner with selected manufacturers for our apparel, height safety, footwear, environmental, PPE and all other aspects of health safety, which enables us to have constant stock at competitive prices from some of the world’s leading manufacturers, while giving us the ability to partner with customers to find industry specific solutions that have yet to enter the market.

In fact, it’s this commitment to health and safety products that meet or exceed industry standards which has seen the company grow in strength and size as it continues to build upon its nationwide supply capability.

In 2012 Safeworx partnered with leading electrical merchant R-RedPath Ltd – which has 17 branches and a number of dedicated safety sales reps throughout the South Island – before the purchase of an existing company in New Plymouth in 2013 brought the Safeworx tally up to four North Island branches.

Within the 16 years Safeworx has been in operation, it continues to grow in strength with further opportunities opening up in the Pacific.

“Rather than be limited by the offering of our suppliers, we involve our customers and work with them to create new designs with improved performance, which comply with industry standards.”

Legislation that came into effect in April puts the onus on everyone in a business – from the staff through to the directors – to take their share of responsibility for preventing accidents in their workplaces.

The first significant reform of New Zealand’s health and safety laws in 20 years, the legislation has been designed to address our poor health and safety record.

“

We’re smart enough to find solutions and nimble enough to move quickly and efficiently, yet we’re sizable enough to provide a range of products for large customers throughout the country.

- ALLAN WOODS, GENERAL MANAGER

”

According to Statistics New Zealand, there were a total of 1,104 serious harm notifications across all industries in 2016, but Allan says when used, on the job safety equipment plays an important role in reducing work-related injuries.

“While health and safety is often seen as a compliance burden on businesses, it’s a very necessary one, especially for the building and construction industry.”

Safeworx has health and safety equipment to meet almost any need, from environmental safety, height safety, high visibility products, respiratory protection and medical supplies such as first aid kits, through to specialist clothing, hygiene products, signage safety lock out products, and eye, hand, head and hearing protection products.

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38 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Focus | Safeworx Dave has been working in the safety industry for more than 30 years and the combined experience of himself, the general manager, marketing manager and sales reps tallies well over 140 years. Two of Dave and Justine’s three children are active in this thriving family business.

Safeworx was birthed in hard times, by real people who live and contribute to their community; an undertaking which still motivates the team to give back to the community that supports it. Their prosperity has enabled the company to grow its staff and give back to individuals, sports teams, volunteer groups and many others of like.

“We’re smart enough to find solutions and nimble enough to move quickly and efficiently, yet we’re sizable enough to provide a range of products for large customers throughout the country,” Allan says.

A daring and innovative attitude is what makes Safeworx stand out in a crowded market, along with efficient and effective practices.

When these attributes are combined with a partnership with any company, it culminates in a win-win situation for all involved. And like all partnerships… it starts with a conversation.

So get in touch with Safeworx to discuss your health and safety needs and requirements because, safety isn’t expensive, it’s priceless. AT Safeworx 24 Railway Street West Papakura Auckland T 09-296 8431 E sales@safeworx.co.nz www.safeworx.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 39

Focus | Age Concern

Lifting the veil on elder abuse Age Concern believes that the older population should be treated with the utmost care, respect and dignity, but sadly a significant percentage of New Zealand’s older people are suffering from elder abuse.

Elder abuse is an action or a lack of action that causes harm to an older person. There is often a level of trust between the abuser and the older person and this causes harm and distress.

Commonly Age Concern sees abuse within four different categories – psychological, financial, physical and neglect – although often several types of abuse can occur together.

Age Concern New Zealand, a charitable organisation dedicated to assisting and advocating for older people, is taking action by putting a spotlight on the issue during Elder Abuse Awareness Week, June 15 -22. Elder Abuse Awareness Week aims to lift the veil on the often unspoken subject and help those who may be suffering in silence.

Age Concern chief executive, Stephanie Clare, says she wants to spread the message that the older population is an important and valuable part of our society and needs to be treated with dignity and respect.

Each year Age Concern’s Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Service receives more than 2,000 referrals for older people who may

be facing elder abuse or neglect. That’s eight referrals every working day.

Stephanie says the agency is seeing an increase in the number of referrals. “Elder abuse is still hidden behind a curtain of shame the way domestic violence was about 10 years ago. So although we are seeing more referrals, what we are hearing is that there are actually more cases in the community that go unnoticed.”

She says recent research shows that just one in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of an agency that can help. “Which is why Elder Abuse Awareness Week is so important – we need to reach the other 13 cases of abuse that aren’t coming to the attention of Age Concern,” Stephanie says.

“With greater awareness and understanding I think we’ll find that the referrals will continue to increase.”

The effects of the abuse are devastating for older people. They can suffer from a loss of independence, lifesavings, health, dignity and security.

40 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Focus | Age Concern

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Age Concern offers a free and confidential Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Service throughout New Zealand. The service employs professional staff to visit and listen to older people to understand their situation. Then with their consent they can provide appropriate help and advocacy to stop the abuse so they can be happy, healthy and safe.

Age Concern has been active in preventing elder abuse and neglect for some 27 years and is the largest provider of elder abuse and neglect prevention services in New Zealand.

To continue its important work, Age Concern relies on the help and generosity of New Zealanders. Visit www.ageconcern.org.nz or contact your local Age Concern to discover volunteer opportunities or make a donation.

If you, or someone you know, is suffering from elder abuse contact your local Age Concern. AT

Elder abuse facts Often the abuse experienced by an older person involves more than one type of abuse.

• Over 50 percent of cases involve financial abuse • Some 75 percent involve psychological abuse • Three quarters of alleged abusers are family members • One third of abused older people live alone.

Age Concern PO Box 10-688 Wellington 6143 T (04) 801 9338 E national.office@ageconcern.org.nz www.ageconcern.org.nz

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 41

Focus | Friendship House

Helping Aucklanders thrive

“

Friendship House, He Whare Tangata in Manukau, is celebrating 40 years of changing people’s lives.

While we have a particular focus on supporting men to make healthy changes, we are also able to provide support and programmes for vulnerable women, children and families.

The House was established in the 1970s as a partnership of six church denominations in response to the identification of health and community development issues. Forty years later, the centre is still having a huge positive impact on the South Auckland community.

Friendship House offers a range of services and programmes to support individuals, families and their communities, helping people make positive changes in their lives. It is committed to ensuring every person experiences safety, value, respect, encouragement, hospitality and kindness.

The aim of the centre is to help people find their own solutions to life’s challenges; staff spend time with visitors to identify their concerns and create a plan to achieve their goals.

Focus on violence prevention Neil says while the house works with all family members, the biggest group is men undertaking its Living without Violence programme.

What’s on offer A large focus of Friendship House He Whare Tangata is on preventing violence in families and the community

<

Chief executive Neil Denney says about 5,000 people visit Friendship House every year, with the centre providing a welcoming environment to everyone. It also works with about 250 other organisations by providing low cost meeting rooms.

”

- NEIL DENNEY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE

“Our goal is to improve safety in our community and that’s where we see a huge amount of change,” he says.

“While we have a particular focus on supporting men to make healthy changes, we are also able to provide support and programmes for vulnerable women, children and families.”

Friendship House is also currently running a programme in the Auckland Region Women’s Correction Facility in Wiri. The programme is focused on living without violence and is aimed at inmates who are both the victims and perpetrators of violence.

Celebrating 40 years Neil says reaching 40 years is a big milestone for Friendship House, which is planning a function this year to mark the occasion.

He is proud of the contribution the centre has made to its local community, with thousands of people reporting positive changes within their marriages, families and personal development over the years.

“We run a café downstairs in our community centre and have a group of people who have been coming in to see us for 40 years,” Neil says.

Friendship House, He Whare Tangata, provides a range of services to the South Auckland community, including: Counselling – Qualified and experienced counsellors offer individual, group or family counselling to people of all ages Family violence programmes – Friendship House’s range of programmes aim to improve safety in the home and community.

Samoan and Tongan language programmes are available Individual support – Staff at Friendship House recognise the unique needs of each person and work with them to create a personalised plan Family support – Staff tailor their assistance to meet your family needs where appropriate Community support – Friendship House aims to be well connected within its community and to support and encourage people to connect with others Advocacy/social justice – Helping people deal with issues outside of their control.

“They come two or three times a week and for some of them, it’s their only social outlet. That’s really rewarding.” AT

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Friendship House provides a safe place for individuals and families to seek counselling, guidance and assistance with issues

Friendship House 20 Putney Way Manukau T (09) 262 2322 E info@friendshiphouse.org.nz www.friendshiphouse.org.nz

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42 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Logistics | Storepro

Logistics | Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

The best way to Keeping businesses organise your business moving Effective racking, shelving and storage solutions make daily commercial operations that much easier. So really, when you invest in storage you’re actually investing in a better, more organised and effortless way of life.

In 2004 Aaron Young found himself at a cross roads: accept an off shore racking opportunity; stay where he was under new ownership; or use his knowledge and experience to establish his own company. He chose the latter, and Storepro was born.

“There was a gap in the market for a genuinely customer focused approach,” Aaron says.

“Whilst most focused simply on selling racking, we wanted to help solve customer problems in their warehouse.”

Storepro at a glance: • Commercial storage specialists • Customised shelving, racking and storage solutions • 200+ years combined experience • In-house installation and design engineering teams • No job too big or small.

While Aaron admits he probably chose the most difficult option at the time, 12 years on Storepro has branched from Auckland to Waikato and Christchurch – affirmation he’d made the right decision.

“An extra 20k spent with us on the right design could save the customer tenfold in terms of lease cost, space, labour, machinery and time,” he says.

Today Storepro is positioned to handle an entire scale of projects. Securing contracts for mega companies like Air New Zealand, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare and Chrysler Jeep has become the norm.

While design and functionality are of the utmost importance, so too is durability.

Products are independently tested in the factories and upon reaching New Zealand and Australia, and are subject to random production line checks.

But the little fish haven’t been forgotten in the face of growth. In fact, one could argue that by helping to grow supply chain processes, Storepro is helping to grow companies too.

“We’ve had customers who started out in a garage and spent maybe $300 on their first contract, coming back a few years later and spending over 500k with us,” says Aaron.

Proven and unparalleled product range With over 19 years’ industry experience, Aaron identified the need for in-house sales, design and engineering, installation and audit teams to deliver the ultimate in customised solutions.

Every job is carried out in accordance with the highest independent engineering and safety standards. Storepro thanks all its suppliers, clients and business partners, including Budpac. AT Storepro 47 Aintree Ave Airport Oaks Auckland T 0800 722 587 E info@storepro.co.nz www.storepro.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Today transport and logistics are widely recognised as a major component in the successful operation of New Zealand business and industry.

Supply chain management sits alongside globalisation and technology as the international trends that are shaping our global commercial environment and providing career opportunities for those with experience.

As such, the outsourcing of supply chain activities and management continues to gain momentum and, with that, the need for transport and logistics professionals to have well managed networks.

In 2002, the Chartered Institute of Transport in New Zealand merged with the Institute of Logistics New Zealand (LNZ) to form the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in New Zealand (CILTNZ), with a membership of 1500.

Internationally, the institute now has 33,000 members in more than 30 countries.

Membership of the CILT is offered at different grades that reflect the member’s experience and qualifications and provides a path for the recognition of increasing professional development.

Belonging to a professional organisation ensures each member is offered a direct route to understanding the implications of national and international trends. It provides the opportunity to have a say on issues of regional, national and international importance.

CILT membership also entitles you to access internationally recognised qualifications and opportunities for international job exchanges, arranged visits and conferences.

Providing North Island businesses with economical, protective packaging and shelving components cut to customer’s requirements.

Specialising in shelving, bearers, coversheets, export crates/pallets and all other relevant products for the rigid protective packaging market; all cut to size.

The importance of transport has long been recognised throughout the world, with the Institute of Transport formed in the United Kingdom in 1919 and New Zealand establishing its own division in 1959.

PO Box 105 157, Auckland mail centre 156E Main Road, Kumeu, Auckland PH: 09 412 7503 FX: 09 412 7510 Email: alan@budpacni.co.nz

The Institute is heavily focused on bringing young people into the transport and logistics industry and giving them the skills to grow. It runs a Leaders of the Future Programme each year, which is a unique opportunity within the transport and logistics sector for participants to challenge themselves through personal leadership and leading within the industry.

Leaders will be helped to understand the changing sector and will further develop their networks and capabilities.

“

The Institute actively promotes and profiles logistics, transport and supply chain management as a professional occupation worthy of investment and commercial recognition at all levels.

”

The Leaders for the Future programme is tailored to meet the needs of leaders working within a broad range of transport and logistics roles. They will learn from the experiences of others and will focus on issues they will face in their sector.

CILT also runs a mentoring scheme for young people in the early stages of their careers and those in the mid-point of their progress through the industry.

Mentors have been drawn from a number of industries, including government, and many of them have experienced the ‘coal face’ environment.

Participants will gain from improved communication and influencing skills, negotiation and leadership skills together with management and business skills for new leaders and managers.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport provides an authoritative voice for more than 1,200 practitioners. This ensures the sector’s views are sought by central and local government and other forums or interest groups in matters that impact the industry.

The Institute actively promotes and profiles logistics, transport and supply chain management as a professional occupation worthy of investment and commercial recognition at all levels. AT Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport PO Box 1281 Shortland Street Auckland T (09) 368 4970 E info@cilt.co.nz www.cilt.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Hospitality | Cassia Restaurant

Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist While the production of high quality food and beverages has long been the lynchpin of New Zealand’s culinary prosperity, it’s the fusion of gastronomic innovation and ethnic influence that has allowed the Kiwi food identity to evolve, earning us a reputation as a fine food destination for discerning foodies.

When it comes to fine food destinations, Auckland’s Cassia Restaurant is one of our best. Offering Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist, Cassia is the latest venture

by Sid Sahrawat, one of New Zealand’s most exciting chefs; revered within the industry and among local and international diners for his innovative and inspirational cooking.

In 2009 he opened Sidart, a modern European fine dining experience in Ponsonby’s Three Lamps, a restaurant which is highly acclaimed and suitably awarded. In 2014, he followed Sidart’s astounding success with the opening of Cassia Restaurant, tucked away in the urban surrounds of Fort Lane in Auckland’s CBD. The Indian flavours of the menu are served in refreshingly inventive ways and created with quality local ingredients, while an extensive drinks list to match the cuisine dining at Cassia is an experience not to be missed.

Cassia is a concept very close to the heart of both Sid and wife Chand, who have always wanted to showcase their heritage through contemporary cuisine. While Sid marries his creative culinary skills with the traditional dishes he grew up on in India – classic spice and flavour combinations reworked with contemporary and local New Zealand ingredients – Chand uses her business background to manage the operations of both restaurants.

“While my experience has been European framed, my Indian heritage has enabled us to achieve what we have been able to achieve at Cassia, along with a great team.”

Sid is joined by head chef Lesley Chandra in Cassia’s kitchen, while Matthew Aitchison leads “I have wanted to be a chef since I was 15,” Sid front of house. Double the size of its European explains. “So to have been in a position to be predecessor, Cassia Restaurant seats 80-85, doing that for the last 20 years has been a dream with a more informal dining atmosphere. come true. I worked in the Middle East before moving to New Zealand in 2000, where I worked “We had a very clear vision of what we wanted to achieve at Cassia from the word in a few places until I had developed my own go,” Sid says. style and opened Sidart in 2009.

“We wanted to capture the essence of India and the diversity of Indian food, to showcase just how good Indian food can be. Our produce is all from New Zealand, with traditional Indian.

Combining and refining that mix has been key to our success.” AT Cassia Restaurant 5 Fort Lane Auckland CBD T (09) 379 9702 E info@cassiarestaurant.co.nz www.cassiarestaurant.co.nz — Advertising Feature

CONGRATULATIONS TO SID, CHAND & THE CASSIA TEAM Well done on winning the Metro Auckland Restaurant of the Year Award for 2016. This is an award well deserved and we are very proud to be a small part of what you do!

Keep up the passion and the great work.

From the Zealfresh Team.

For restaurant/wholesale enquiries please contact Zealfresh on 0800 493253

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48 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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La Porchetta – serving much more than just great flavour It was once said, the trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later you’re hungry again.

While the saying references the satisfyingly filling nature of the cuisine of our nor-western neighbours, it goes some way towards outlining the popularity of Auckland’s very own ode to Italy – La Porchetta.

Yet despite La Porchetta Henderson and La Porchetta Parnell earning a reputation as two of the city’s most delicious spots, there is so much more to these dynamic dining destinations than good food.

“We absolutely love it! I’ve been in hospitality since I was 16. I tried leaving when I was 35 and I went crazy. Hospitality runs through my blood,” Henderson and Parnell franchisee Debbie Keys explains.

Sean and Debbie run the two popular restaurants along with their dedicated team. After purchasing the Parnell franchise in 2008, they enjoyed it so much that when a larger La Porchetta became available in Henderson five years later, they again jumped at the opportunity.

And it runs in the blood. Their daughter Tammara managed the Parnell restaurant – the first La Porchetta to open on this side of the Tasman – for four years before heading off to study culinary arts.

“We were attracted to the incredibly close family dynamic within the brand. It’s such a close unit.

Some of the restaurant owners have been there for 25 years or more and it’s one of the few large companies where the CEO actually picks up the phone herself!”

The La Porchetta brand – which celebrated 30 years in business last year – is today one of the largest restaurant franchises in Australia and New Zealand, yet despite its astounding success, it still maintains the strong family friendly environment that is at its core.

The menu changes every year and we’re constantly adding new items. We’re also happy to mix and match creations for you, changing things around to suit!

And they are fully licenced.

With large pizza at an average price of $14.90 and large pastas at $18.50, you can feed two for less than $30 and a family of four for around the $50 mark.

Great value, great food topped off with great service.

“Everything is handmade and you can see your pizzas being made from scratch, it’s a great sharing environment where you can select two or three dishes to share amongst the table and it’s a friendly environment for children.”

This passion for what they do has culminated in the couple’s restaurants winning La Porchetta’s coveted New Zealand Customer Service of the Year award three times (2012, 2013 and 2014), and the group’s New Zealand Franchisee of the Year in 2013.

After eight years at the helm of the Parnell restaurant, Debbie says the couple are now starting to see the next generation of customers coming through the doors.

“We’ve seen young adults come in on their first dates who are now married and coming back with their own children. It’s incredibly special to be able to watch people grow and being a part of that experience.

The long term friendships we have created in this environment hold a special place in our heart.

“The most important thing we train into our staff is ‘let our customers walk in as a stranger and walk out as a friend’,” she says.

“That really sums up what we’re all about. Great food at a great price is fundamental, but you can get pizza all over town. It’s the place that treats you like family that you’re going to go back to!”

“Sean was always keen on buying a restaurant and I liked the feel, the atmosphere, the business model.

It was a place where we could be together in a family orientated environment.”

While La Porchetta has become renowned for its pizzas, there is much more to La Porchetta Henderson and La Porchetta Parnell than just delicious pizza.

The full-range restaurant menu has something for everyone, at great value prices, with Italian-style meals made only from the best ingredients.

There is a huge diversity in the menu. “We cater for those who are gluten-free.

La Porchetta Parnell, 167 - 171 Parnell Road Parnell Auckland, T (09) 309 0807 La Porchetta Henderson, 199a Lincoln Road Henderson Auckland, T (09) 838 7370 www.laporchetta.co.nz

Property & Construction | Henderson Demolition

The art and craft of deconstruction Demolishing tired edifices so that innovative ones can take their place is, somewhat ironically, a carefully calculated task. Getting the job done smoothly and properly comes down to the personnel behind the project.

The people of the upper North Island turn to Henderson Demolition for their demolition, asbestos removal and concrete cutting needs because they know the best weapon to have in their arsenal is a contractor with consummate industry knowledge.

From there to here Henderson Demolition’s story begins in 1999, when Glen Henderson established the business with only a handful of men and tools on board.

Fast forward 17 years and the company has more than 50 permanent staff – most of whom have been there from the beginning – as well as a temporary labour force of up to 30 at any given time.

General manager Rikki Jones notes it was never the plan for the company to grow to the size it is today. Expansion has taken a rather “natural course” as a result of client expectations being met and word of mouth bookings piling up.

“We specialise in the jobs seen too difficult for other companies,” he says.

“Demolition is becoming more deconstruction... buildings are stronger, bigger and in spaces where access is extremely limited, so the ways to safely dismantle these structures are always evolving.”

Similarly, asbestos removal is experiencing major changes. From April 4 this year, new asbestos best practice regulations came into force under the Health and Safety at Work Act. But with a team as certified and firmly rooted in the industry as Henderson Demolition’s, changes are merely a blip on their radar.

From residential garages to the major Auckland International Airport upgrade, they complete every job to the very last detail in the most professional manner, using machinery and equipment with proven durability for the job at hand.

They even make sure that scarce materials like native timber are recycled and not sent to waste.

Rikki notes that as clients are personally liable as the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), when contracting demolition or asbestos work, it’s hugely important to select the right contractor.

No man stands alone One of the requirements of success in business is forging professional partnerships.

Henderson Demolition would like to thank Crombie Lockwood for its ongoing support. AT

Services offered by Henderson Demolition: • Commercial, industrial and residential demolition • Certified asbestos removers • Insurance work • Concrete cutting and drilling • High rise strip-outs • Servicing the Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Whangarei regions.

Henderson Demolition 2 Parker Street Papakura Auckland T (09) 298 0960 E tenders@hendersondemolition.co.nz www.hendersondemolition.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Expert and Professional Demolition Services in Auckland • Commercial & Industrial Demolition • Residential Demolition

• Certified Asbestos Removal

• Concrete Cutting & Removal • Insurance Remediation Work

‘For exceptional customer care and professionals you can depend on, let the team at Henderson Demolition take the hassle out of the equation for you.’

Call us now on 09 298 0960 for a FREE quote or visit our website www.hendersondemolition.co.nz for more information.

50 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Safe & Secure construction sites New regulations in the construction industry have brought about new health and safety rules regarding the use of scaffolding and temporary fencing.

New regulations now in place The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 reform looks to bring about big changes to the way construction businesses and DIY aficionados currently operate – and the sooner you know about it the better.

One company that can help you understand and accommodate these changes is Securefence & Securescaffold – a Christchurch company that recently entered the Auckland market.

On April 4 this year the Department of Labour’s updated regulations came into effect. The reform includes using scaffolding where previously a ladder would have done the job. This means that even menial tasks around the house – like getting into gutters and completing simple roof repairs – may now require scaffolding.

About Securefence & Securescaffold

Don’t be left in the dark – contact Securefence & Securescaffold for all your scaffolding and fencing needs and queries.

Since its establishment four years ago, Securefence & Securescaffold has been heavily involved with the Canterbury rebuild. The New Zealand owned and operated company provides sturdy and safe temporary fencing and scaffolding for all residential and commercial projects.

Securefence and Securescaffold at a glance: Securefences for construction sites and crowd security Securescaffolding that complies with new regulations Catering to the greater Auckland and Canterbury regions Qualified tradesmen Over 50 years industry experience

The temporary fencing also proves an excellent advertising opportunity for the business savvy to hang their signage.

• Personalised, efficient service.

Securescaffold enables clients to work safely at heights when constructing, renovating or repairing buildings. The scaffolds are assembled by qualified tradesmen with extensive construction knowledge that can safely – and literally – get your project off the ground.

Secureguarantee

Based by the Auckland Airport, the Auckland team is positioned to cater to projects throughout the greater Auckland region. Furthermore, they are just the people to seek advice from to help you understand and accommodate the new H&S changes.

• We guarantee to return all quotes within 48 hours, otherwise you will receive the first week rental FREE of charge! * Terms and conditions apply to the Secureguarantee

“

A great team; reliable, on time and their Secureguaranntee is second to none. – Ainsworth Builders, Owner, Shane Ainsworth

Managing director Jason Houston insists on offering specialist and personalised guidance from the get-go, ensuring clients’ projects adhere to the appropriate industry regulations. “We understand local compliance issues, the importance of your deadlines, and we guarantee to be on time, every time,” says Jason.

By using Securefence & Securescaffold you can relax knowing your safety, budget and deadlines are of paramount importance to us. - Managing Director, Jason Houston

“

We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Secure team to any client due to the high quality of their work and how easy it is to do business with them.

– PlaceMakers Cranford St, Trade Manager, Peter Nisbit

“

The next step, naturally, was expansion into a larger scale market – the Auckland market.

• We guarantee to beat any written quote by 10%

“

Securefence’s portable fencing is designed to do just what the name suggests: secure locations. It keeps the masses out of construction zones and other hazardous work sites, as well as enclosing concert venues and the like.

• • • • •

0800 66 00 22 Level 6, 10 Scotia Place, Auckland, 1010 2 Ivan Jamieson Place, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8053

www.securefence.co.nz | www.securescaffold.co.nz

Property & Construction | Precision Construction

The architectural builders Breaking into the high end residential building market can be difficult for any builder, as home owners and architects look to building companies they know they can trust.

Precision Construction Limited in Auckland has developed a reputation as a leading builder of architectural homes, proving itself during more than 35 years in the industry.

Precision Construction evolved from a partnership founded in 1979 between Grant Millar and Rosemary Macdonald, focusing on alterations, additions and new townhouses in Auckland’s eastern suburbs.

Rosemary left the company 19 years later and Precision Construction Limited was established in 1999, with quantity surveyor Danny Spooner becoming joint director in 2003.

During the past three decades the company has built an enviable track record which demonstrates experience in high end residential and light commercial construction for a broad range of clients.

Today Grant and Danny head a large team with a wide range of capabilities, specialising in building high end, architectural homes for discerning clients. “We’ve built a name in that sector of the market,” Grant says.

“We broke into that sector 30 years ago, which was difficult since it takes many years to develop the skills required for the demands required for the quality and complexity for bespoke homes, where every item is specifically designed or brought in from overseas. That’s been the foundation that has launched us into other sectors of the industry.

“We’ve developed a reputation for performance which means we aim to exceed our clients’ expectations. We start and finish

on time, maintain the highest level of quality and manage the budget with no hidden costs.

I believe that honesty and integrity are the foundations upon which successful contracts are built.”

The benefits of choosing Precision Construction for your next home include: • Your project will be undertaken by a company with more than 30 years’ experience, with both directors being industry trained and qualified • Your project will be managed by the directors, who are committed, motivated and innovative • Your project will be undertaken by a team of fully trained tradesman and reliable subcontractors • You will be dealing with a company that has genuine quality assurance, cost and time management systems, so that your project will be guaranteed to meet completion deadlines with cost-effective solutions and above industry standard workmanship • You will be dealing with a company that is a foundation member of The Certified Builders’ Association of New Zealand, which regularly participates in regular workshops and forums to keep up with the ever-changing building industry.

C O N TA C T U S

+64 9 444 4555

Specialising in ‘high-end’ residential temperature control and ventilation, our synergy with the builder creates a mutual goal and an outstanding result for our discerning clients.

Proud to have been associated with Precision Construction for 15 years We are a member of The Electrical Contractors Association of NZ, specialising in installation and maintenance of residential, commercial, shop fitting and power and lighting for exhibitions.

P 09 570 8955 • F 09 570 8966

Mobile: Bill 0274 962 566 Mobile: Ian 0274 795 066

www.aircondition.co.nz

PO BOX 51895, PAKURANGA, AUCKLAND 2140 www.ryanelectrical.net.nz

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PAINTING SPECIALISTS Providing high-quality workmanship for residential and commercial clients throughout Auckland for 25 years.

Email: kevin@vincentpainting.co.nz www.vincentpainting.co.nz 52 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Vincent Painting Limited are proud to be supporting Precision Construction

Call 021 976 841 now!

Property & Construction | Precision Construction

“

We’ve developed a reputation for performance which means we aim to exceed our clients’ expectations. We start and finish on time, maintain the highest level of quality and manage the budget with no hidden costs.

I believe that honesty and integrity are the foundations upon which successful contracts are built.

”

- GRANT MILLAR

Precision Construction has developed a reputation for a range of building work, including:

No man stands alone Being successful in business is all about communication and, with this, establishing and maintaining working relationships with both suppliers and clients alike: so Precision Construction would like to thank all its clients, suppliers and partners. With this in mind, it thanks those companies who have supported the company on these pages: Ryan Electrical, Safeway Scaffolding, Bunnings, Auckland Air Conditioning, Cedarlite Industries and Vincent Painting.

New builds: • Architecturally designed homes • Commercial buildings • Office fitouts.

Existing homes: • Additions • Alterations • Recladding • Repairs.

“

High quality staff and systems

Client testimonial: “I have worked with Grant and Danny and the team at Precision Construction on a number of very successful projects over the years. These include the construction of my own home and multiple commercial and retail construction jobs ranging from $4 million to $20 million.

They have always delivered a great product for the right money and they continue to be one of our preferred contractors. Very trustworthy, very reliable and very good at what they do. Nothing is ever a problem and I couldn’t recommend them more highly.”

- MARK FRANCIS, MANAGING DIRECTOR, AUGUSTA CAPITAL

”

Precision Construction has the programmes and systems in place to guarantee your next project will be completed on time, on budget and to the highest possible standards.

The Auckland company employs its own labour force, which is becoming increasingly uncommon in today’s building industry.

“We have our own designated teams, who specialise in their area,” Grant says. “We have guys who are very good at finishing work and hanging doors, and that’s what they focus on.”

Precision Construction manages multiple projects simultaneously, adhering to the unique systems created by its directors. Utilising these systems, particularly a unique quality assurance programme, means the company can build demanding architecturally designed homes, as well as high quality light commercial buildings, office fit outs, additions, alterations and recladding or repairs to existing homes.

Cedarlite Industries Ltd

Manufacturers of bespoke timber doors and window are proud to support Precision Construction Ltd and congratulate them on 35 years of quality building 4 Mahunga Dr, Mangere Bridge, P O Box 59016 Mangere Bridge. 09 6330410 www.cedarlite.co.nz

“It’s all about performance and having good infrastructure,” Grant says. “We’ve won a couple of tenders on the basis of our programmes, rather than cost. We have the systems in place to build quickly.”

Precision Construction has used its extensive systems to take on a large project for Housing New Zealand, building around 70 new two bedroom homes and extensions to existing homes across Auckland.

“We’ve been working on this project for over a year and it’s almost complete; it’s been a huge success,” Grant says.

“Having our own specialist teams made all the difference on this job, because of the quality systems we’ve got in place.”

Precision Construction has grown by 50 percent in the past year, with its team expanding from 60 staff a year ago to more than 100. The company undertakes its own staff training and employs a large number of apprentices, ensuring they are trained in its own methodologies and systems. AT

Precision Construction Limited Level 1, 47a Leonard Rd Mt Wellington T (09) 579 8977 M 021 714 062 (7am - 3pm, Mon - Fri) E info@precisionconstruction.co.nz www.precisionconstruction.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Your best source of complete scaffolding solutions in the Auckland region Safeway Scaffolding is the team to call for complete, safe, and reliable scaffolding supply in Auckland.

If you value great service along with products that will allow for the safe, efficient completion of your construction job, then you’ll find what you’re looking for at Safeway Scaffolding.

P L E AS E D TO B E A B L E TO S U P P LY P R E C I S I O N W I T H T H E I R SCAFFOLDING REQUIREMENTS. 21 Walls Road, Penrose, Auckland - T: (09) 579 2222 - office@safewayscaffolding.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 53

Property & Construction | Pacific Engineering Projects

Engineering capabilities of the first order Pacific Engineering Projects (PEP) is an international provider of design and build services in the industrial engineering sector to a range of industries throughout the Pacific.

PEP was established in 2010 by director Chandar Sen, who today heads a company with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of all domestic and international clients.

As well as its design and build service, the company offers engineering, procurement and construction, as well as project management services for design and build clients.

In turnkey construction projects, PEP delivers all of the disciplines, including supply and installation. Its experience in project management makes it an ideal general contractor to undertake turnkey construction projects.

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PEP also does construction-only projects in all disciplines, including civil, mechanical or electrical.

PEP has a number of key clients in these countries, including:

Pacific Engineering Projects offers a design-and-build service to customers throughout the Pacific

In addition, the company supplies fabricated projects, undertakes scheduled shutdown maintenance projects focusing on the mechanical and electrical disciplines, and supplies tradespeople for construction work.

Fiji: Pafco, Total Fiji Ltd, Water Authority of Fiji and Momi Bay Resorts Limited

As you’d imagine, PEP employs a highly skilled workforce, including experienced engineers, project managers and other staff at its offices and on sites in a number of countries.

American Samoa: Samoa Tuna Processors Inc, Samoa Cold Storage Inc, Starkist Samoa Company and the American Samoa Power Authority

While the company is New Zealand owned and operated, it has registered branch operations in several countries it operates in, including American Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Fiji.

Papua New Guinea: South Seas Tuna Corporation

Samoa: Government of Samoa, Electric Power Corporation, Samoa Water Authority and Silva Transport

Cook Islands: Pacific Energy, Apex Agencies and Toa Petroleum

Solomon Islands: Pernix Solomon Islands, Solomon Island Electricity Authority and Sol Tuna Limited Tonga: Total Fiji Ltd Pacific Engineering Projects has a wide range of capabilities, including: • Design and build • Project management • Turnkey construction • Construction • Supply of fabricated products • Shutdown maintenance • Supply of tradespeople.

No man stands alone Being successful in business is all about communication and, with this, establishing and maintaining working relationships with both suppliers and clients alike: so Pacific Engineering Projects would like to thank all its clients, suppliers and partners. With this in mind, it thanks those companies who have supported the company on these pages: Kensington Swan lawyers, Nexans, Peter Swan Limited, Mt Albert Accountants, Auckland Abrasive Blasting & Coatings Ltd, and Metalcraft Insulated Panel Systems.

“Entrust it to us - We will Deliver” PRODUCTS & SERVICES

• Construction • Design & Build • Project Management • Turnkey Construction • Shutdown Maintenance • Supply of Fabricated Products • Project Management & Consultancy

INDUSTRIES WE WORK IN

• Water & Waste water • Oil & Gas • Energy • Petrochemical & Chemical • Mining & Mineral processing • Power Generation & Distribution • Fish processing & Food processing P. 09 638 6400 | M. 021 467 736 | E. csen@pacificprojects.co.nz or rsen@pacificprojects.co.nz | 349 Dominion Rd, Mt. Eden, Auckland 1024 | www.pacificprojects.co.nz

54 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property & Construction | Pacific Engineering Projects

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Pacific Engineering Projects undertakes a variety of large industrial engineering projects to a range of industries

Some successful projects Pacific Engineering Projects (PEP) has undertaken a range of demanding projects throughout the Pacific in recent years.

Pacific Engineering Projects’ core activities are in the following industrial sectors:

Following an international bidding process, PEP won the contract for the design and build of chlorination facilities at three water treatment plants for Samoa’s Water Authority.

• Environmental • Fish processing • Food processing • Mining and mineral processing • Oil and gas • Petrochemical and chemical • Power distribution • Power generation • Pulp and paper • Water and wastewater.

This multi-disciplined project involved the construction of the chlorination building, the provision of all mechanical and electrical equipment, and their installation and commissioning.

Last year PEP undertookthe construction of three 2,000 tonne bulk fuel storage tanks at the Apia wharf for the energy division of the Ministry of Finance in Samoa. PEP was initially awarded the supply and fabrication of key components, but was later awarded the tank construction project as well.

PEP also completed an ambitious water management process for the Water Authority Fiji, involving the supply and installation of pressure reducing systems to control the mains pressure.

Work was carried out along national roads and PEP has had to follow strict procedures of the Fiji Roads Authority to gain excavation permits.

The company is currently involved in a number of projects that were won through a competitive international bidding process. These include: • The design and construction of a 4000-tonne gas oil storage tank for Total (Fiji) Limited in Suva • The design and construction of a 4000T tuna freezer for Pafco in Levuka, Fiji • The construction of a 1,000,000 litre potable water reservoir for Water Authority of Fiji in Labasa, Fiji. AT

NEXANS HAVE PROUDLY DELIVERED QUALITY CABLE SOLUTIONS TO OUR PACIFIC COMMUNITY SINCE 1967.

We are committed to providing long-lasting cable solutions tailored to our unique Pacific environment.

We have proven experience in offering both Low and Medium voltage solutions for transmission, industrial, sub-marine and renewable projects.

Our team of experts are onhand to offer you a complete custom service, from quality manufactured cable, logisitcs and technical advice to seamless delivery of final product.

Pacific Engineering Projects Limited 349 Dominion Road Mt Eden T (09) 638 6400 M (021) 467 736 (Chandar Sen) E csen@pacificprojects.co.nz www.pacificprojects.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Manufactures a wide range of flat and profiled panel solutions for a variety of temperature controlled building applications.

And are proud to be the preferred suppliers of corrosion protection solutions on their projects

35e Mclaughlins Rd, Wiri, Manukau City P 09 279 2041 F 09 279 2058 PH Cell 0274731249 E aabc@xtra.co.nz www.aabc.co.nz

engineering Ⅰ architecture Ⅰ project management

Level 7, Albert Plaza, 87 - 89 Albert Street, AUCK, NZ

1/16 Bealey Avenue, CHCH, NZ

PO Box 90053, Victoria Street West, AUCK 1142, NZ

PO Box 25332, Victoria Street, CHCH 8144, NZ

t +64 9 373 5880 t +64 3 366 9849

Mt. Albert Accountants Problem Solvers www.maa.co.nz

Further information on Metalcraft Insulated Panel Systems’ products is freely viewable and downloadable from the website or by contacting the branch direct:

Peter Swan Limited

WWW.PSWAN.CO.NZ

AUCK CHCH

Backed by solid warranties the range of insulated panels, supplied by Metalcraft Insulated Panel Systems, is used in a variety of applications from Industrial and Commercial Coolstore to Agricultural and Architectural buildings.

Application of: Metallic-Non metallic Abrasive Blasting • Protective • Industrial • Marine Coatings • Hot Metal Zinc • Aluminium Spray • Passive Fire Protection • High performance Urethanes • Polisiloxanes • Tank Lining • Pipe Lining • Heat Resistance Coatings • Concrete Coatings • Polibrid Coatings • Off Site Mobile Blasting & Painting

Contact us:

Kieran O’Neill, National Sales Manager – Industry, Infrastructure & Pacific kieran.oneill@nexans.com +64 6 755 9830 or +64 27 339 3737 www.nexans.co.nz

Supplier of insulated panels to Pacific Engineering Projects.

f +64 9 373 5883 f +64 3 366 9923

YOUR BUSINESS MATTERS

mail@pswan.co.nz

YOUR BUSINESS MATTERS

PACIFIC WIND Harnessing what’s freely given

Cut in Speed as low as 1 m/s | Cost of Energy less than 2 c/KWh | Capex less than US$750/KW | 10% land up to 6 times Energy www.pacificwind.co | info@pacificwind.co

139 Roscommon Road, Manukau, Auckland 09 277-8844 Extn: 1 peter.z@metpanels.co.nz www.metalcraftgroup.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 55

Property & Construction | Concrete Specialists NZ

Aesthetic foundations for lifestyles worth living The words “concrete specialists” don’t typically excite, but perhaps they should. Since 1996 Concrete Specialists NZ has been offering more than a service, rather providing clients with great looking foundations for lifestyles worth living.

Concrete Specialists are excited to celebrate 20 triumphant years servicing the greater Auckland region (and slightly beyond, if you ask nicely).

They’ve put their touch on a range of private and commercial projects. From providing concrete cutting for demolition, improvement and expansion work to core drilling for services, installing food grade coatings for restaurants and manufacturers, and producing aesthetically pleasing, durable polished floors for bars, homes, offices and retail spaces.

Rollercoaster growth A company doesn’t reach its 20th birthday without its fair share of trials and tribulations.

As a team they’ve fought long and hard to get to where they are today, “making the most of the peaks and surviving the troughs in the construction industry,” says director Dale Gamble.

Originally specialising in basic concrete cutting, the business has grown to offer a full complement of concrete treatments and services. “Introducing further services has helped considerably in providing more options to our customers,” she says.

They’ve handled diversification smoothly with several sub-teams – cutters, drillers and flooring specialists – operating in conjunction under the one umbrella.

Experience and aptitude are not in short supply: employees hold their Site Safe passports as well as their specialist cutting, drilling or flooring qualifications, with the cherry on top being their wealth of knowledge in their given areas of expertise.

Their secret to a satisfied client base is to carry out work with the nature of the job in mind.

Whether undertaking private or commercial projects, they make every effort to ensure the space is not only compliant with industry

regulations, but is also the most inviting, inspiring, comfortable and practical design solution for its required purpose.

Family owned equals family values When it comes to the benefits of being family owned and operated, core family values come into play alongside business practices.

As a result, in-house discussions are open and frank with everyone left feeling on the same page – and with unobstructed vision for the task at hand. Moreover, they’ve developed a stellar rapport with contractors in the industry where, by proxy, clients reap the benefits.

When it comes to their environmental footprint, they have strict waste management and waste control procedures in place.

The co-existence of industrial vacuum cleaners and diversion of waste to unsealed ground results

in the least possible amount of slurry – the mixture of water and dust produced during the cutting and drilling processes – leeching into the environment.

“A good environmental policy is significant to our company’s culture and professionalism,” says Dale.

You can do your part, too: Contact Concrete Specialists NZ today, the preferred concrete treatment and enhancement professionals. AT Concrete Specialists NZ Unit 1C, 8 Henry Place Albany Auckland T 0800 4 CUTTA E info@concretespecialists.co.nz www.concretespecialisits.co.nz — Advertising Feature

PROUD TO SUPPORT CONCRETE SPECIALISTS. Concrete Plus is a leading supplier of construction products, Decorative exclusive distributor of Fosroc products, Concrete Finishes, Concrete Tools and Equipment.

Freephone 0800 657 156 www.concreteplus.co.nz

Concrete Treatment Solutions | Auckland Your Concrete is Our Business

Unit 1C 8 Henry Rose Place, Albany | 0800 4 CUTTA | info@concretespecialists.co.nz | www.concretespecialists.co.nz 56 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property & Construction | Panel Prop

Panel propping solutions for any site For 25 years now, Panel Prop in Drury, has fronted the fundamental knowledge and tools for creating structures big and small.

They’ve encountered many changes in the precast industry during their two and a half decades in business, but their recipe for success ensures they remain relevant in the face of change.

For them, success begins and ends with people know-how. “There are continually changes and improvements to the way construction is carried out, but in the end the experience and knowledge to easily identify what will and won’t work comes from the people involved,” says director Garry Somers.

It comes as no surprise that they are sticklers for safety. Props are inspected and serviced after every job, with certified engineers repairing any damage and wear or destroying props that are irreparable; trucks and hiabs are regularly serviced; and all staff are kept up to date with training.

They’ve identified the need for all product, where applicable, to have certified seismic ratings. They’ve even gone so far as to replace all old precast concrete blocks with batchcertified concrete and certified weight and lifting anchors.

No job too big or small Panel Prop’s emphasis on safety doesn’t go unnoticed. Clients seek their superior services for jobs of all scopes, and as such they have a string of diverse, successful projects under their belt.

FREE

for the impressive Yashilli Milk Factory project, a 12 month job where hundreds of props ranging from 0.8-10 metres in size were needed.

FREE

COMPANY PROFILE Contact us on: (03) 961 5176

• Product hire

At the other end of the scale, people come to them for anything from a bolt to a corner bracket to a couple of little props for their retaining wall.

• Product servicing • Site visits for propping solutions • Supplier of panel hardware/ consumables

Tricky design solutions are no issue either.

They’ve propped panels to 17 metres high from multi and high rise buildings to warehouses, upmarket homes, silage pits and retaining walls.

When it comes to their biggest assets, Garry puts forward employees and customer service as the top two contenders.

“Customers like that we have a wealth of knowledge to pass on and help guide projects, and that we can set out a propping plan and take this responsibility off them.

“It’s our hope to make things as easy as possible for customers…we know that small delays can cost the client significantly, and we know which measures to have in place to avoid this happening,” says Garry.

COMPANY PROFILE You’d certainly be hard pressed to find a project this team can’t handle. They were contracted

Panel Prop’s services:

• Precast panel shims • Seismic rated expansion anchors.

Panel Prop also thanks all its suppliers, clients and business partners, including Shoreload & Propping and DRK Chartered Accountants. AT Panel Prop 63c Firth Street Drury Auckland T (09) 294 7861 E info@panelprop.co.nz www.panelprop.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Proud to support Panel Prop

Talk to us today and see how we can help promote your business in print, for FREE.

We work alongside you to solve problems that arise and help you reach your financial goals. www.drk.co.nz

Bombay

83B Ingram Road, Bombay Phone: 09 236 0437

Waiuku

48 Queen Street, Waiuku 2123 Phone: 09 235 7455

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 57

Contracting | South Auckland Plumbing

The commerical plumbing experts Choosing the right plumber to tackle your new commercial build or maintenance programme is an important decision, but with South Auckland Plumbing you can rest easy knowing your project is in great hands.

“

Client testimonial

We have kept South Auckland Plumbing as our regular plumbers as we have an excellent working relationship with them.

They are always obliging, friendly, helpful, and prompt in their dealings with us.

Workmanship is always of a high standard.

I have no hesitation in recommending South Auckland Plumbing.”

- LES SWEETMAN, TRUSTEE, SWEETMAN FAMILY TRUST

”

Servicing Auckland customers for 25 years, the business was established by Chris and Karen Grantham and is today operated by their son, Kevin, and Karen Grantham who leads an enthusiastic staff of seven.

South Auckland Plumbing offers a full range of plumbing services to its commercial clients, which make up about 40 percent of its workload.

It has the skills to complete unique, challenging projects that require innovative thinking.

The company has recently completed a number of large projects, including the new Polarcold stores in Wiri, with Ebert Construction.

“We did a rainwater harvesting project for them, which was a one of a kind job,” Kevin says.

“It involved the installation of 175 metres of horizontal 250mm downpipe, feeding a 1.2 million litre holding tank. The tanks are used for

Service is a focus for the team at South Auckland Plumbing

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“We have been dealing with South Auckland Plumbing for over 10 years - probably over 12. We have several properties in South Auckland; in Howick, Papatoetoe, and previously in Manurewa and Pakuranga.

South Auckland Plumbing has the expertise and knowledge to carry out any commercial or residential work to the highest standard.

collecting rain water from the roof then recycled to feed the chiller units and fire sprinklers.”

South Auckland Plumbing is currently working on a large project for Danone Nutria at the Auckland International Airport, which involves installing Dyson sensor taps and driers. “These are typical commercial jobs for us. We also do the work for one of the Fonterra plants and have recently finished several projects upgrading their red line areas,” says Kevin.

South Auckland Plumbing has been apart of New Zealand’s Master Plumbers’ Association for 20 years, and has proudly supported the Westpac helicopter since 1997.

Completing large industrial projects is well within the company’s capabilities

58 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

South Auckland Plumbing has the knowledge and experience to deal with every aspect of plumbing, including: • Overflowing hot water cylinder • Relocation of hot water cylinder • Leaking toilet • Leaking spouting • Leaking shower • Leaking roof • Alterations • New housing • Commercial and residential jobs.

Contracting | South Auckland Plumbing

Property & Construction | Adroit Builders

Helping handle Auckland’s new build boom The demand for new housing in Auckland is at an all time high with a need for 10,000 new homes to be built in the city every year, for at least the next five years.

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South Auckland Plumbing has been servicing Auckland customers for 25 years

Focus on great service Taking care of customers is everything at South Auckland Plumbing, which operates a round the clock service for any plumbing emergencies.

Kevin Grantham says his company’s top level of service is what makes it stand out from its competitors. “We strive to maintain a customer satisfaction with all work that we provide, creating not just a business relationship, but a friendship between our staff and yourselves.

“We offer an after hours service operating 24/7, and having a fully stocked van means we rarely have a case of not being able to complete the job there and then.”

South Auckland Plumbing has seven vehicles out on the road, with plumbers located in Papakura, Pukekohe and South Auckland for its customers’ convenience.

Forging professional partnerships Being successful in business is all about communication and establishing and maintaining working relationships with both suppliers and

clients alike. South Auckland Plumbing would like to thank all its clients, suppliers and partners, and those who have supported the company on these pages: ANZ Manukau and its manager Samir Maini and assistant bank manager Usha Lata, as well as Mico, BW Henderson and O’Briens Plumbing and Bathroomware. AT South Auckland Plumbing 16 Vernon Street Papakura T (09) 263 7621 E kevin@southaucklandplumbing.co.nz www.southaucklandplumbing.co.nz — Advertising Feature

It’s a mammoth task that requires an army of builders. Adroit Builders is stepping up to the plate, joining the ranks of new home building companies in the city.

The business, which has traditionally specialised in bespoke renovations and major alternations, has branched out into new house builds.

“This year we have gotten into new builds because the market in Auckland has become so overrun with large subdivision developments.

The city is quite behind with the number of houses we need,” Adroit Builders owner, Oscar Williams says.

Since turning a focus to the new opportunity, Adroit Builders expects it will complete 25 new builds in 2016. That’s a significant increase for the business, which formerly built two to three homes a year.

Industrial, Commercial & Residential Installations and Maintenance Specialists in Electrical Design

O’Briens

PLUMBING & BATHROOMWARE

Trusted supplier of Plumbing and Bathroomware Since 1976

Proud to support South Auckland Plumbing

0800 500 633 24 HOURS

www.bwhenderson.co.nz

We carry a wide range of New Zealand brands and imported products.

We also offer a comprehensive range of plumbing products and a dedicated service to the plumbing trade.

CONGRATULATIONS SOUTH AUCKLAND PLUMBING ON 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS

88c Great South Rd, Takanini, Auckland Phone: 09 299 8171 • www.opb.co.nz

This year we have gotten into new builds because the market in Auckland has become so overrun with large subdivision developments. The city is quite behind with the number of houses we need.

- OSCAR WILLIAMS, ADROIT BUILDERS OWNER

”

for significant staff growth aiming to expand its team of 10 builders up to 50.

It is currently working in a new subdivision in South Auckland building approximately 12 of the 60 high density townhouses in the development, contracting directly to the main developer.

While new builds are an exciting new opportunity for the business, Oscar says it will still have a crew specialising in high-end bespoke renovations. “It is nice to have a few avenues,” he says.

“In addition to building at least a dozen in this one subdivision, we’ve got another few subdivisions that we are looking at as well.

This area of the business has just exploded with demand.”

Oscar says his team is equipped to service the new demand. “The renovation market is usually a lot more complicated than new builds because the problems that can come with renovations are much higher.” So he says taking on the new builds for the highly skilled team of renovation builders is no sweat.

With a lot of potential to grow the business in the new build market, Adroit Builders has plans

I.G. ROOFING LTD

“

Expanding a company is often part of a wider effort with key business partners. So Adroit Builders would like to express its thanks for the support and ongoing commitment from I.G Roofing Auckland. AT Adroit Builders Ltd 335 Duck Creek Rd, RD 3 Silverdale 0993 T 021 764 535 E adroitbuilders@gmail.com www.adroitbuilders.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

P. 021 075 4309

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Proud to support Adroit Builders www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 59

Transport & Motoring | Dr Diesel

For all on and offsite auto repairs There are no nasty surprises when you take your vehicle to Dr Diesel. Owner Chris Lloyd believes in being straight up with every customer and goes out of his way to make sure they understand every aspect of the job.

Workshop and mobile repairs Chris established Dr Diesel 22 years ago as a small breakdown service, growing the business steadily as word spread of his high quality work.

Today the business is run from a large, hightech workshop in Hannigan Drive, St Johns, and features a full range of diagnostic equipment, including an Autodata computer programme for scanning the latest details about your vehicle.

An upfront, honest service

Dr Diesel carries out on and off site repairs and specialises in fleet work for customers with multiple cars, vans and trucks. “We have a very clean and modern facility and employ high tech mechanics who do a lot of diagnostic work,” Chris says.

“I encourage people to come in and see what’s going on and what we’ve found,” he says.

The company operates a full mobile mechanic and breakdown service for clients who can’t get their vehicles to the workshop. While the business doesn’t do warrants of fitness, staff will take your car to the nearby AA, which

• Shocks • Lowering kits • Oil Changes & Services • Mag Wheel Repairs • Brakes • W.O.F Repairs

ALLTECH – YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR ALL THINGS TURBO AND DIESEL

Cars, Vans, Trucks, Classic or Commercial, Just Brakes are your NUMBER 1 STOP SHOP!

CALL 09 579 4666 JUST BRAKES 340 CHURCH STREET, PENROSE, AUCKLAND 60 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Dr Diesel offers a range of high quality automotive services, including:

Mobile breakdown service – Dr Diesel runs two dedicated breakdown vehicles for emergencies, as well as for onsite fleet work and mobile diesel servicing for all vehicles including light trucks

Courtesy services –The mobile Dr Diesel service mechanics can pick up and drop your car back to you as long as you’re within 5km of the workshop.

PROUDLY SUPPORTING DR. DIESEL

Specialists for over 30 years in the fast turnaround of all brake componentry overhauling

“We will show them what we have found and they’re welcome to bring anyone else who knows what they’re looking at. I like to tell customers exactly how it is; I don’t sugar coat it. AT

Technology – The workshop is equipped with very large hoists, scanners and computer systems

524 Ellerslie Panmure H’way, Panmure, Auckland Ph. 09-570-9380 | www.haslipstyres.co.nz

JUST BRAKES ARE PROUD TO BE PARTNERS WITH DR DIESEL

Chris believes in being completely honest and transparent in every aspect of the job, ensuring customers understand why work needs to be done.

Fleet servicing - specialising in servicing the trades. This includes petrol and diesel repairs, full servicing, brakes and clutches and all mechanical repairs

Pleased to be associated with Dr. Diesel • Wheel Alignments • Wheel Balancing • Puncture Repairs • Tyre Vulcanising • Tyre Retreading • Suspension

provides an independent WOF assessment and there is a comfortable visitor area for customers who want to wait, or can provide courtesy cars for those who don’t.

Corner Archers & Sunnybrae Roads, Hillcrest, Auckland Phone: 09 443 6511 www.turbo.co.nz

Dr Diesel 36B Hannigan Drive Auckland T (09) 570 1044 E info@drdiesel.co.nz www.drdiesel.co.nz — Advertising Feature

TRUCK, TRAILER & BUS PARTS Proud to support Dr. Diesel Stockists of Hino, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Scania, Volvo, MAN, DAF, Mercedes and Trailer Products Quality Parts with Professional Service at Competitive Prices

Contact us on 0800 404 100 for your parts requirements

Transport & Motoring | Mackenzie Transport

The cartage and crane hire specialists Moving your large or oversized load doesn’t need to be a major headache, thanks to the experienced team at Mackenzie Transport Limited.

Mackenzie Transport specialises in heavy haulage and over-dimension loads and offers trucks, cranes and hiabs for hire.

Mackenzie Transport is primarily focused on over-dimensional and fragile freight, with its skills in transportation and crane operation coming from more than 12 years of hands-on experience in the industry.

Its team of trained professionals have offered solutions for the trickiest of situations and pride themselves on their high standard of safety. The company, which is owned by Wade Mackenzie, owns a fleet of heavy haulage trucks with configurations that have a maximum carrying capacity of up to 50 tonnes.

Mackenzie Transport has various combinations of purpose-built hiabs that offer: • Versatility • Greater control • Stability • Lifting capacity • Winching capability.

In addition, Mackenzie Transport offers: • A fleet of flat-deck configurations that have a maximum carrying capacity of up to 27 tonnes • Trombone trailer up to 28 metres • A variety of tractor units which tow 40-foot trailers, b-trains, step-deck trombones and quad-axle trailers • Two pilot vehicles offering C-grade to A-grade certified pilots • A two-man cage, which is often used on roofing projects • Pallet forks that are used for loading/ unloading palletised products • A 7.5-tonne digger with rubber tracks available for hire.

Mackenzie Transport also has a range of smaller trucks for hire, as well as cranes and mobile hiab trucks. Its heavy haulage and truck hire service is available all over Auckland, 24/7, with its expertise beneficial for every job, no matter how big or small.

The company’s over-dimension work involves a combination of units including flat-deck, trombone, and low-loader trailers, in conjunction with various truck units.

Pilot vehicles are supplied to ensure all over-dimension machines or buildings are transported safely and legally.

The team is committed to safety and follow strict rules and regulations regarding the health and safety of its own team members and others around all dangerous equipment and hazardous areas. The company’s certified and experienced drivers work closely with management to help measure

and maintain high performance standards that are of paramount importance to both the company and its customers. AT Mackenzie Transport Limited 5 Bethells Road Waitakere Auckland T (09) 810 7129 E mactran@xtra.co.nz www.mackenzietransport.co.nz — Advertising Feature

DEVELOPING FUEL TREATMENTS FOR OVER 15 YEARS Delivering better fuel efficiency and performance, whilst reducing the carbon footprint for fuel related industries.

HFT NZ LTD ARE PROUD TO BE SUPPORTING MACKENZIE TRANSPORT

8 MATOS SEGEDIN DRIVE, CAMBRIDGE Ph: (07) 834 1286 • www.hybridfueltech.com

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz June/ July 2016 | 61

Transport & Motoring | Albany Toyota

Albany Toyota’s quarter century of success For many, purchasing a vehicle is the second biggest investment they’ll ever make behind buying a home, so it’s important to get it right.

The Albany Toyota experience: • New and used vehicles • Insurance and finance plans • Commercial/fleet contracts • Servicing and WOF inspections • Accessories, repairs and spare parts • Trade-ins and upgrades • Ongoing, first class service.

In a competitive market it can be difficult knowing who to turn to for automotive advice, and even harder knowing who to trust.

Zealanders appreciate and relate to. Kiwis are hard workers and they want hard working vehicles that can keep up with them, and for that they turn to Toyota.

Albany Toyota has just turned 25 business years old and it didn’t get there on the slipstream of luck and chance.

With you the whole way

Honesty and professionalism form the core of this business. The family owned dealership has grown from a small yard in the 1990s to an automotive hotspot for the masses, mainly thanks to the classic kiwi values the company was built upon.

There’s no smoke and mirror effect at Albany Toyota. They put in the hard yards for every customer, taking into account their budget, tastes and lifestyle before matching a vehicle to their needs. It’s little wonder, then, that most of their customers are repeat customers.

Options aplenty

They have two dedicated sales teams – one specialising in the sale of new vehicles and one in used – as well as two business managers to personalise finance and insurance plans. They’re all working towards the same ultimate goal: customer satisfaction.

In a market where customers are spoilt for choice, the team at Albany Toyota make sure they stay a cut above the rest.

Toyota’s vehicle range has an option for every lifestyle and price point. From family vehicles to recreational vehicles, executive vehicles and even vehicles customised to farming needs, whatever you desire you can be guaranteed that quality has not been compromised for practicality.

In addition, a line of vehicle accessories has been developed with the progressive customer in mind. Albany’s dedicated onsite parts department ensures personalisation can be easily facilitated.

Clients of Albany Toyota aren’t just buying a vehicle. They’re buying undivided service that’s with them from the moment they arrive and doesn’t walk out the door when they do.

Haydn likes to keep his finger on the pulse of emerging needs and trends, and has some exciting developments in the pipeline.

Between the car yard, used car showroom and Soon to be released is a hybrid technology Toyota parts and service departments, as well as Corolla – their most popular selling model – an Albany Village Bridgestone, they operate as to mark their move towards vehicles with the go-to for all vehicles needs. lower fuel emissions.

“Our territory now goes from North Shore to Safety comes first the Brynderwyns in the north. It means we now At Albany Toyota they take safety seriously. have four service centres: Albany, Warkworth, Browns Bay and Whangaparaoa. Customers can Every vehicle undergoes a rigorous pre-delivery purchase in Albany or Warkworth and know that check by a certified Toyota technician, as well as a quality and history certification before being they’re covered in that territory for after sales passed on to the end user. service,” says CEO Haydn Mackenzie.

62 | June/July 2016 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

“Customers these days are expecting more from the vehicles they are purchasing and the experience around the purchase needs to reflect this,” Haydn says.

“Most of our customers start their vehicle search at Toyota for the reliability and safety that Toyota as a brand has an excellent reputation “They’re looking for a unique and pleasant experience that extends beyond the purchase to for,” Haydn says. after sales service, so above all we deliver on “Regardless of the price of the vehicle, that front.” AT whether it be $5,000 or $50,000, we make sure it leaves the dealership having met our Albany Toyota exacting standards.”

Corner of Dairy Flat Highway and Gills Road Albany While there’s certainly a diverse range of Auckland vehicles available, they all share one common T (09) 415 7890 denominator: reliability.

E cars@albany-toyota.co.nz The Toyota brand has built its reputation on www.albany-toyota.co.nz — Advertising Feature being safe and reliable; values that many New