Auckland Today Issue 88 by Academy Group

Issue 88 | April/May 2011

The effects of plastic on the environment are already well documented...but what about the effects of plastic on our bodies? Research is showing that under special circumstances, certain chemicals from plastic bottles and containers are able to leach into the water (or food) held within. One such culprit is a toxic chemical known as Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical with estrogen mimicking effects that is linked to obesity, diabetes, breast cancer and hyperactivity. Another two common toxic chemicals present in plastic bottles are antimony and phthalates. Make a change for the better. Buy stainless steel BPA-free SafeBottles and reduce the impact of plastic on the environment and our bodies.

For more information and to see the full range of SafeBottles, please visit www.safebottles.co.nz or call our friendly team on 0800 777 444 or text SAFE to 244.

Have you ever asked yourself... Is there more cancer around these days? Why are there more pregnancy issues, infertility, or miscarriages? Why do more kids have ADHD now? Is male sexual dysfunction more prevalent now? What damage are we doing to our planet by using plastic? What’s causing the early onset of female puberty? Read on and you may find the answers... What is BPA (Bisphenol A)? BPA is widely used to make polycarbonate plastics such as those in baby bottles, water bottles and compact disc cases and is an ingredient in the resins used to line food cans. The chemical has been shown to leach into food or water. To see a complete definition of BPA, please go to www. safebottles.co.nz. The following is a direct quote from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). As you will see they acknowledge that BPA and other chemicals do leach into food and liquid. However, they also say that it’s not proven to be harmful and doesn’t cause cancer. “In some circumstances, chemicals in food packaging can migrate into the food product and vice versa, depending on the nature of the packaging and the food contained within.” Food Standards Australia New Zealand “the most toxic chemical known to man.” Dr Frederick Vom Saal

The facts on BPA The following are quotes relating to BPA and chemicals found in plastic water bottles. To see the full quote and source, please visit our website, www.safebottles.co.nz In men the oestrogen mimicking effects of BPA have been known to block some of the more important effects that testosterone has on sexual functioning. Those who were exposed to BPA were four times more likely than those who were not exposed to report some sort of sexual dysfunction. Associate Professor of Department of Reproductive Sciences - Yale

But even though PETE (used in many plastic bottles) doesn’t contain BPA (as seen on 60 Minutes 9/6/2010), it does contain other chemicals called phthalates - which are also believed to be endocrine disruptors. Mindfood.com Like BPA, these chemicals leach into the water more quickly when the plastic is heated, so don’t leave these water bottles in a hot car or out in the sun. A potentially deadly toxin is being absorbed into bottled mineral

water from their plastic containers. And the longer the water is stored, the levels of poison increase, research reveals.

There are enough warning signs to show the need to act sooner rather than later. There are growing concerns about bottled water in particular in plastic bottles. The safest option is stainless steel. Breastchek.co.nz

Jo Knowsley

Our findings suggest that exposure to low-dose BPA may have widespread effects on brain structure and function. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to classify BPA as safe, basing its ruling only on the findings of two industry-funded studies. There are over 200 independent scientists, not in conflict financially with this chemical (BPA), saying we find it relating to obesity, prostate cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, brain disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, liver disease, ovarian disease, disease of the uterus, low sperm count for men and the list goes on. David Gutierrez Natural News After years of insisting Bisphenol-A (BPA) posed no threat to the health of babies, six larger manufacturers of baby bottles have announced they will stop shipping new baby bottles made with the chemical. Mike Adams, Natural News A 2007 review of 700 studies involving BPA, published in the journal Reproductive Toxicology, found that infants and foetuses were the most vulnerable to adverse effects from this toxic substance. C W Randolph, MD The researchers indicated that such damage is a possible predictor of reproductive diseases in women, including fibroids, endometriosis, cystic ovaries and cancers. Earlier studies linked low dose BPA to female reproductive-tract disorders, as well as early-stage prostate and breast cancer and decreased sperm counts in animals. Andreas Moritz In 2004, one researcher counted up all of the studies done to date on just BPA. Of 104 studies done by independent researchers, 94 found adverse effects. Donna Jackson Nakazawa

The latest study showed that women with a history of miscarriages were found to have higher levels of BPA in their bodies. The women who had miscarriages were found to have BPA levels on average about three times higher than women who had successfully given birth. David Steinman

The National Toxicology Program of the National Institutes of Health concluded that there is “some concern” that BPA may cause problems in foetuses, babies and children, including breast or prostate cancer early onset of female puberty, attention deficit disorder and other problems of the reproductive and neurological systems. David Gutierrez Bisphenol A is such a dangerous chemical that I have no doubt it will one day be banned from all food and beverage products. Frederick vom Saal The following are countries which have taken action against BPA - Canada, Denmark, Belgium and France - so far. Those with the most BPA in their urine had nearly three times the risk of heart disease more than twice the risk of diabetes, as well as signs of liver damage. Unfortunately, the levels of BPA that were associated with disease are within the EPA’s industry-friendly levels of safety.” Byron Richards The following research is by world expert Dr William Shotyk - who has vowed never to drink bottled water again - “I don’t want to shock people but here’s what I know: Antimony is being continuously released into bottled drinking water. The water in PET bottles is contaminated”. Antimony finds its way into water by ‘leaching’ from the plastic in the same way that water absorbs flavour from a tea bag. Jo Knowsley If you have a baby that you are formula feeding, you are likely to be exposing your child to BPA through the formula itself, which is almost assuredly packaged in a BPA-lined can. Aaron Turpen In most countries, BPA is legal in food storage including baby bottles, containers and so forth. Very few companies are using BPA-free containers for anything. Aaron Turpen To see each of the quotes in full and the source please go to www.safebottles.co.nz

Call 0800 777 444, text SAFE to 244 or go to our website www.safebottles.co.nz to order your SafeBottle today P.S. There’s an iron-clad, lifetime money-back guarantee on all bottles.

18/8 food grade quality stainless steel

BPA-free, toxin-free and eco-friendly

Gary Collins Managing Director

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I Various sizes and colours available I Designed to last I 100% recyclable I No plastic liner I Free sports lid www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 3

Issue 88 | April/May 2011

Auckland Today

Issue 88

20,162

News

ABC circulation as at 30/06/10

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz Head office Academy House 818 Colombo Street PO Box 1879 Christchurch

6 Past due Paying the bills 7 Garden City blues Doing business with Christchurch is the best way you can help

managing director Gary Collins General manager Rebecca Harris administration Kylie Moore Kelly Clarke Rebecca McQueen Kimberley Wells Craig Mills Hanna Broadhurst

6 Footsteps to success Can pedestrian CBD streets work for Auckland?

admin manager

8 Eastern horizons China is coming even closer as a business and tourism partner

sales & advertising Grant Williams sales executives Peter Johnson Colin Morais Janet Campbell Robert Cochrane Jane Watson Mike Burke Clive Greenwood Miranda Hearn newsroom Jonathon Taylor Marie Sherry Bridget Gourlay Kate McKone

8 Business fads — friend or foe One-day deals are the trend of the moment. But will the click-and-get phenomena have staying power?

editor

Phone: 03 961 5050 Fax: 0800 555 054 Email: editor@academy.net.nz

production Carolynne Brown assistants Melanie Stanbury designers CJ McKay Hayley Brocket Ryan Carter Ian Knott Kirsty Opie Camilla Josephs Phone: 03 961 5050 Fax: 0800 555 054 Email: production@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 2011 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

4 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

9 Getting ahead with the HR edge What’s the story with HR and should it have a strategic role in your organisation? 10 Cover story The method behind The Mad Butcher’s madness, featuring Sir Peter Leitch, the man behind the brand 12 Humbling experience Corporate training is being put to good use in developing countries

Features

Business

14 Lifestyles Top drops, delightful destinations,beautiful baubles and a licence to ride

20 Business Development McDermonds Plumbing, Brevini New Zealand and Laser Group 28 Solutions Office Furniture Hire

16 Products 4U A selection of products with empowerment in mind 20 Events diary Events, courses and seminars coming your way

Viewpoint 18 Distressed about declining opportunities? Save the businesses the banks would destroy, says one company director

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30 Initiatives Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects, Fumacare, Bathroom Direct and TSB Wallace Arts Centre 39 Property and Construction Albany Timber Distributors, DW Homes, Rudnev Door Systems, Maddren Homes 46 Goods and Services NZ Vault/Guardian Vault

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Out of Albany

The Suite Sound of Success

We take a look at a local company that’s making a big noise citywide in infrastructure. Take a road. Any road. Chances are that you won’t go too far along it before you’ll meet roadworks. Look to the side and there could be storm water drainage going in. A few kilometres on, contractors will be breaking the ground for a new airport, new utilities, a power plant, a hospital or a wharf. Infrastructure development is alive and well and doing what it has always done—making a major contribution to this country’s economy and wellbeing.

For the former Rodney District Council, Projenz had a key role in implementing the highly respected and award-winning Infrastructure 1 contract model. The key to the success of this model was an alignment of all stakeholders working together in harmony as “One Directorate, One Team, One Vision”, the client, consultant, contractors and other stakeholders working together as one, with no apparent boundaries. Projenz has played a key role in making this model a success to date and in providing a blue print to replicate this with current clients the new Auckland Council and its subsidiaries Auckland Transport, Waterfront Auckland etc. Projenz project managers are often employed as client project managers representing the client at all levels.

Improving New Zealand’s infrastructure is a key government policy and will assist in driving NZ back towards real prosperity.

Currently the team is involved in a range of projects, perhaps most visibly Auckland waterfront wharf reconstruction, Jellicoe Street civil works, the Auckland Waterfront Tramway and the Hibiscus Coast Busway Station, much of which is scheduled for completion in time for the Rugby World Cup.

But who is co-ordinating all of that? Who’s planning it? Who is assessing the feasibility of it? Building business cases for it?

But simply building projects doesn’t necessarily build reputations. Not the sort that Projenz has. That takes something else.

Who—in essence—is managing it?

Director Steve Borlase: “Projenz has carefully defined our niche market and we remain loyal to those markets. For them, we provide the highest level of service and never makes compromises. Our success is built on that.”

Increasingly companies and local and central government are turning to specialist companies to provide those services. Specialists such as Projenz. Projenz specialises in professional engineering, planning and management services. Among those services are project management, structural design, contract and tendering, environment planning, and others (see side-bar). The Projenz team has forged, in just 14 years, a formidable reputation for professionalism, dependability, and delivery. Projects include • Waiouru Peninsula -Auckland. Southern Motorway Interchange (Highbrook) • Penlink - SH1 to Whangaparaoa link • Te Anau Airport-Manapouri • Waterfront Auckland – Wynyard Quarter • Rodney District Road Network • Manukau City Road Network

Fellow director John Penman echoes the sentiment, but adds what he perceives as another element to Projenz’s success—versatility. He says what has become “self evident” is that clients today are looking for a turnkey operation; what used to be called a one-stop-shop. “With the suite of services we provide, Projenz clients can walk in and then walk out with a total project package—not only structured for them by us, but also managed for them, right to fruition.” Calibre of staff is fundamental to successful project delivery and Steve Borlase can perhaps be forgiven for stating that Projenz has among the best in the business. All three company directors, Steve and John in Albany and Callum Wood in Dunedin, have extensive experience as project managers/ directors, in transportation, network management and infrastructure projects.

Above: Auckland City - Bristling with infrastructure projects. At the core of many of them, including waterfront development, Projenz. Right: Forward Thinking: artist’s rendering of proposed Weiti River crossing (Penlink) linking Whangaparaoa community to the Northern Motorway. Another Projenz project.

To complete the team, Projenz directors have recruited well and sometimes ruthlessly. “We make no excuses for identifying those we perceive as the best in their specialist fields, then going after them,” says Steve. That has drawn into Projenz well known and respected personnel who operate at the highest levels to endorse and further the Projenz reputation.

The Suite Side The Projenz team offers an extensive suite of services including but not confined to:

Currently Projenz has a 20-strong team in Albany and four in Dunedin.

• Communication and Stakeholder Liaison

“It’s a team that can bring massive experience to the table to aid any project, anywhere,” says Steve.

• Management Services/ Client Representatives

“It’s what we do. It’s who we are.”

• Project Management • Contract Management

Projenz is represented in both the North and South Islands. They also contribute to offshore projects. To contact them: North Island - Steve Borlase Phone: +64 09 913 3688

• Roading & Transport design services • Infrastructure Management • Procurement & Tendering Services • Planning & Environmental Services

Email: steveb@projenz.co.nz

• Feasibility Studies

South Island - Callum Wood

• Film and Event Support

Phone: +64 03 9510066

• Land Development

Email: callumw@projenz.co.nz

• Consents acquisition • Network Management • Peer Reviews • Structural Design.

Left: The changing face of Auckland - Jellicoe Street civil works, Projenz at work

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 5

News

Footsteps to success

Image: ntwowe/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It may sound crazy, but in Copenhagen they have taken the cars out of one street in the CBD a year over the past few decades as part of a strategy to enliven the Danish capital. It’s now one of the most efficient, environmentally friendly cities in the world with flocks of tourists (and city planners) visiting it each year.

This was one of the key recommendations world renowned architect Jan Gehl gave last year in his report on the city. The debate now is on how to go about making Auckland more pedestrian-friendly without making it to hard for people to get in and get around. Campaign for Better Transport’s Josh Arbury suggests pedestrianising Queen Street at all times in one go would “probably be a mistake” at this point in time.

“We probably need to give the perception of Auckland’s public transport system enough Others have followed suit. Hong Kong pedestrianised its famous Sai Yeung Choi Street time to improve (plus obviously the system itself) before retailers would feel comfortable in 2003 and the Parisians are getting rid enough with such a proposal. of cars around the inner city canals and instead allowing only walkers and cyclists to “The last thing we would want is what enjoy them. happened in Onehunga where the main street In notoriously car-jammed New York, bits of Broadway have been pedestrianised to allow the masses of people to spread out along the streets around Times Square. It looks like Auckland might follow suit. Banishing cars from Queen St and making it a pedestrian-only spot is part of a 20-year city centre masterplan drafted for public release in March.

was pedestrianised and it just about killed off the place before cars were allowed back in.”

massive new public space in the very heart of Auckland,” he says. “We might see little cafés start up in temporary carts along the street, we might see markets and performers and all other kinds of people and activities using the space. At the same time, if it doesn’t work — if people are discouraged from the city centre or if the place just feels a bit too eerily quiet without vehicles — then a cheap trial can easily be ended.”

Now permanent Arbury says New York City’s successful partial pedestrianising of Times Square started off as a trial and has since become permanent. Transport committee chairman Mike Lee has also floated the idea of trialling a pedestrianonly area of Queen St from Customs St to Victoria St at weekends. He feels careful planning is needed to support a healthy, thriving retail sector.

The 20-year master plan report was released for public consultation in March. A draft master plan is expected to be released in June and a Arbury thinks if it works, the retailers and other final master plan adopted by the council at the important stakeholders will get onboard. end of the year. Soon, Aucklanders could be at least trialling an inner-city pedestrian mall, just “General users of the CBD may also really like other famous cities around the world. enjoy how removing cars has created a He favours trialling it at weekends, potentially only weekends during summer to start with.

Paying the bills Paying your business’ bills is not just a goodwill gesture; it is about meeting your obligations in a trade relationship. In New Zealand, we are falling short on fulfilling this obligation.

Image: worradmu/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In a recent report released by leading credit reporting and debt collection company, Dun & Bradstreet, it was that revealed New Zealand firms took on average 43.9 days to settle their trade accounts in the December quarter — a figure which remains two weeks above the standard 30 day payment term. The latest business payments research from Dun & Bradstreet which examined the millions of current accounts receivable records contained on its database revealed that an additional four percent of New Zealand businesses failed to pay their trade credit accounts during the December quarter 2010 compared to the prior year.

Denied access “Payments days are still significantly above the standard 30 day term, which means businesses are being denied access to their funds for around two weeks longer than they should be,” Dun & Bradstreet general manager John Scott says. “New Zealand firms need to recognise the value of their accounts receivable as it is typically the largest liquid asset on an organisation’s books — mismanagement of this crucial asset has the potential to bring a business to its knees.” Nine of the fourteen sectors examined by Dun & Bradstreet experienced a deterioration in 6 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Image: ntwowe/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

their payment times compared to the previous quarter and the report noted that larger firms (200–499 people and 500-plus employees) are consistently slower payers than smaller businesses.

as it can draw more and more businesses into the late payment cycle, making it increasingly difficult for firms to escape the pressures associated with slowing paying customers.”

North Island based businesses were slower to pay than South Island based firms and of the three major cities, Auckland was the slowest to pay during the December quarter taking 45.2 days to pay accounts. The fastest payment business group was the agricultural sector followed by the mining sector and the fishing industry was the most improved group on its payment times.

He says it is important for commercial organisations to recognise that businesses are not run on charitable basis and businesses need to make sure they are creditor number one not 21 and the terms and conditions are sound.

Commenting on the serious potential financial implications of delayed bill payments Scott says, “A four percent increase in the number of entities paying their accounts late has the potential to inflict cash flow difficulties on a number of large firms. This is a worrying trend

“Getting the money you are owed is the most important thing you should be doing. People have to prioritise this as a key function of their business’ operation and not just after the fact. Take emotion and sentiment out of the equation, it is a business transaction.” For more information on Dun & Bradstreet visit www.dnb.co.nz

News

Garden city

By Bridget Gourlay

Aucklanders have all seen the scenes of devastation in Christchurch since the February 22nd earthquake and want to play their part in helping the city recover. BusinessNZ chief executive Phil O’Reilly says a strong Canterbury emerging from the recent earthquakes is crucial for the whole country, not just the region itself. “The Government’s commitment to Canterbury is good to see and so too is the support of the private sector. “Many New Zealanders recognise that this could be any of us, and there is a real human side to this, but there is also a commercial realism. New Zealand needs Canterbury to be strong and to have a thriving business community. And our larger firms are happy to support this knowing that by supporting business they are helping to retain jobs, keep families together and assist to get the economy back on its feet.”

O’Reilly stresses the best way to aid Christchurch’s economic activity is to buy things from there. “In the midst of this unfolding tragedy we have seen the courage and resilience of Christchurch people and the genuine desire for businesses to help. Industry associations will help co-ordinate those efforts and promote the fact that Christchurch is open for business,” O’Reilly says. “The Affiliated Industries Group believes the quickest way to help Christchurch get back to normality is to buy things from there. People and enterprises elsewhere can help greatly simply by doing business with Christchurch firms.” The website www.mychristchurchbusiness isopen.co.nz shows which businesses are open and also provides important information about new locations and contact details. It’s easy to think that the city is at a standstill following February’s devastating quake, but most businesses are doing their best to get up and going. That means many are operating from temporary premises in suburban areas, or

from manufacturing lines and offices set up in unaffected garages and living rooms. Some industries have been hit harder than others. For example, ManufacturingNZ and Export NZ director Catherine Beard says most large manufacturers are located outside the CBD and have been relatively unaffected, getting back into production within days of the earthquake. “In the service sector, ICT-based businesses will be more mobile and faster to return to normal operations, while those without offsite back up records will find the going harder. “Tourism, retail and education businesses are likely to be harder hit than manufacturers, particularly if they were based in the CBD. In the wider Canterbury region, the agricultural sector is largely business as usual.” BusinessNZ is co-ordinating relief and recovery contributions from businesses. If you would like to help email QuakeRecovery@businessnz.org.nz or call (04) 496 6554.

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 7

News

Business fads —

friend or foe?

By Kate Pierson

With regard to the sustainability of these enterprises, New Zealand Retailers Association chief executive John Albertson says one day deal sites are an interesting risk profile.

We are a nation of fad-lovers in New Zealand — some might even say we’re a collective of walking clichés. Call us what you will, but we Kiwis live and breathe trends and if it’s hot right now, you can guarantee we’ve got it. It may be that the sheep to human ratio in New Zealand has rubbed off on us, and we’ve adopted the follow-the-leader nature of our woolly counterparts, or it could be the fact we know a good thing when we see it. Either way, our inclination to become love drunk on trends is a Kiwi characteristic through and through. Being kitted out head to toe in trends that have romanced the material girl that lives in all of us is one thing; but what are the dangers of adopting fads in our professional life? Is a business fad our friend, or foe? Feeling the heat under the critic’s spotlight at present is a business model which is close to earning the title of ubiquitous as carbon copies of it pop up left, right and centre in our shopping sphere. Consumers’ two favourite things, online shopping and sales have come together and made a baby that has adopted the best of both their genes — she has been christened — “one day deal”. And sure, she’s really attractive now, and the crème de la crème on the sales scene, but will she survive the transition from infancy to adulthood? Is her current popularity status her ticket to a life of longevity, or will the ephemeral nature of consumption trends knock the life out of her? Furthermore, will the fact that identical one day deal sites are being introduced like they are going out of fashion see them do just that?

“In any retail business you need to achieve a margin to be successful. The issue with these sites is that the more you get of them, the more competitive each enterprise has to be. Of course the real risk is that if these businesses buy stock and they don’t sell it, they are stuck with it.” Image: Vlado/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A sustainable business? For a long time our bargain crazy alter ego has been befriended by online shopping heavyweights like TradeMe and eBay. Now in the market mix, are online one-day deal sites where goods, services and packages are sold at a very tidy price. In November 2010, journalist duo Frank and Muriel Newman aptly summarised the nature of these sites and their appeal to bargain hunters they refer to as ‘oily raggers’. “The age of bits and bytes, iPods and mice that click instead of squeak is a wondrous thing, and for the oily rag bargain hunter it has opened up exciting new frontiers. “The age of electronic wizardry is especially good at bringing people prepared to sell stuff cheaply, with those that want to buy stuff for a whole lot less than you would normally pay. And this is why it’s of interest to those living off the smell of an oily rag. “The latest ‘faditis’ to infect the cyberspace is the rise of grab-a-bargain websites. Imagine each of these sites as an enormous bargain bin that has lots of cheap stuff in it, all marked down by anywhere between 50 percent to 90 percent and you can see why they appeal to oily raggers.”

offered stuff all the time and we have a fairly comprehensive buying network overseas. “We are fortunate because we do enough volume of sales and can therefore afford our margins to be thin. “I just don’t know if some of these local sites will be able to have thin margins if they do not have the volume of sales.” Brown says in his experience, at least 200 hundred sales per day is required to sustain an office space, internet connection and paying staff.

Albertson also says the novelty may soon wear off if buyers are bombarded by offers in a Despite the scepticism, figures for one day spam-like fashion. deal website GrabOne were published in “Generally if people are hammered with offers December 2010 and it seems the company each day from one site and then hammered and New Zealand have been seeing green with deals from another, they get over it pretty since its establishment. quickly which means one day deal sites have Between its launch in July 2010 and December to find a way to keep their business fresh. It that year, GrabOne saved New Zealanders is like a retailer who has a blackboard with more than $10 million and brought Kiwis more a different clever or funny phrase on it each than 1300 different entertainment, wining day of the week. After one week, he will be and dining and travel and beauty experiences wondering what to put on it.” across its 13 regions in New Zealand saving When it comes down to these websites buying them up to 90 percent with each deal. just one or a few products to sell on, Albertson “In our first week of operation our customers says it can be high risk because even the best benefited from $225,000 of savings,” buyers in big departments stores don’t get it GrabOne chief executive and founder Shane right all the time. Bradley said of the enterprise’s success. “To One product hopes have reached the $10 million mark in five “When these businesses are not buying a mix months is exceptional - definitely beyond our of products, they are really pinning their hopes expectations.” on one product which they need to sell and Bradley says GrabOne was predicated on a this means they are betting they are making business model that ensures everyone wins. the right buying decision every day.” But whether the other local brothers and Founder of successful one day deal site Firstin, sisters of this site can say the same of their Adam Brown, also has concerns about the own ventures will remain to be seen. viability of some other one day deal sites Needless to say, those considering investing participating in the local market. in, or establishing their own one day deal site “Ultimately I know how limited the stock should take heed of the commercial maxim market is in New Zealand. Our business gets ‘Buyers beware’.

Eastern horizons For the past few years, ‘China’ has been the buzzword in the business community. How can we sell dairy, wine and kiwifruit to the growing middle class market in the world’s most populated country? An FTA sweetened the deal, and investing in our China knowledge has been the focus of many business leaders, sending their bright employees to the Confucius Institutes popping up around the country. But it’s not just our products we’re trying to sell. It is expected the number of international departures from China will double in five years, from 50 million to 100 million travellers. The Chinese are keen to see the world, and for the past few decades it has become common to see many exploring New Zealand. From young people in their 20s having a go at bungy jumping, to the middle aged gawking at mountain scenery, the Chinese have been coming to New Zealand in greater and greater numbers for a holiday. Until this April, however, there hasn’t been a direct flight between the two countries. In the past, Chinese tourists flew through Hong Kong, Singapore or Australia to get to New Zealand. Soon a direct connection flying three times a week between Auckland and Guangzhou,

8 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

the capital of Guangdong (formerly known as Canton) province will open. Tourism New Zealand CEO Kevin Bowler says the China visitor market is critical as the growth in the number of Chinese with the means and inclination to travel internationally is booming. “Attracting visitors from southern China specifically to holiday in New Zealand has always been challenging due to a lack of airline capacity. Guangdong region is a power house of Chinese industry; it has the third highest GDP per capita. It is a mature market in terms of travel selections and expectations and New Zealand as a distinct holiday destination has a lot to offer. With the move to establish direct services from Guangdong that make it easier for travellers from across China to visit New Zealand, there is significant potential for us to attract longer staying visitors and to grow China into our third largest tourism market.” The new Guangzhou to Auckland route will initially be served by an A330-300 aircraft, containing 284 seats, running three times per week. This equates to over 88,000 additional seats on offer each year connecting Auckland to mainland China. Auckland Airport chief executive Simon Moutter says it’s not just tourism that will benefit.

“The additional visitors and longer stays typically generated by direct air services translates into more dollars for the visitor economy. More importantly, we know that increased air links drive much broader economic activity. Today’s announcement will help deepen the strong business links between New Zealand and China, which will in turn lead to even more opportunities and help drive demand for more air services.” Moutter says China Southern Airline’s decision to fly direct now meant the annual economic impact was likely to be at least $75 million.

Not just China It’s not just China in the growing Asian economy that is becoming closer in terms of price and flying time to New Zealand. In December, budget carrier Air Asia X announced it was starting a ChristchurchKuala Lumpur route, with tickets on a special sale for just $99 one-way. Travellers then have the opportunity to find cheap flights onto destinations in Asia or to Europe.

Jetstar started daily cheap trips to Singapore in March. “The low-cost carrier model is now As China’s largest airline, China Southern Airlines being successfully applied to longer haul has the most extensive domestic air network in destinations,” Auckland Airport chief executive Simon Moutter says. the country, meaning people from other cities, such as Beijing, need only make one domestic “(This is) a very important development which flight to get to Guangdong and then the long we believe offers the New Zealand tourism international one to New Zealand. industry a fantastic opportunity to link up with To add icing to the cake, the Aussies were cut the rapidly expanding low-cost carrier network in favour of us by the Chinese. The Guangdong and markets in Asia.” flight was originally supposed to go to Not only will this allow more Asians to come to Melbourne and then to Auckland, but CEO of New Zealand, but gives more opportunities for China Southern Airlines, Mr Tan Wan’geng said Kiwis to see Asia. All these flights mean New in January the flights would start off going Zealand and Asia will become closer than ever directly to New Zealand. “The strong potential before, ensuring better business, tourism and of the partnership between China and New cultural links. Zealand was reinforced by everyone we met.”

News

Should

have a strategic role in your organisation?

By Kate Pierson

Somewhere in between taming rogue organisations that function as unpredictably as a two year old and helping overly-bureaucratic organisations take a professional chill pill so they are less tied up in policy and more focused on productivity, human resources got somewhat of a bad rep. The lack of love for HR might come down to the oft used accountability avoider familiarly known as ‘the blame game’, or it could be the result of a lingering public consensus that HR employees find it hard enough to get themselves dressed in the morning, let alone help run a business — the source of cynicism is anyone’s guess. On the media circuit and behind closed doors, there have been phrases as paradoxical and extreme as ‘totalitarian dictatorship’ and ‘frighteningly incompetent’ bandied about in relation to HR departments — because when it comes to HR, the complaints tend to come thick and fast and from all ends of the spectrum.

Freelance journalist Karl Du Fresne discussed the frenetic nature of HR departments in his article published in The Dominion Post in February 2010. Of HR in the noughties, he said, “Make no mistake — this was the decade of the human resource department. Cleverly picking up on Mao Zedong’s idea of permanent revolution, HR managers ensured the organisations that employed them were kept in a constant state of disruption and uncertainty, merrily disestablishing old jobs and creating new ones, then watching everyone fight over them. “The cost to the economy, in terms of time and energy wasted by endless reorganisation while real work got left undone, is anyone’s guess. But the real brilliance of the HR revolution was that it kept people so anxious and distracted that no one thought to ask an obvious question: do we really need HR departments? That is the million dollar question one could say. And, in line with this, we should also be asking if all the condemnation is really warranted? Has HR simply become a punching bag for our professionals? A scapegoat for our own ineptitude? Whatever the reason for the HR industry being stamped with a seal of disapproval, it’s important to look at it its role in organisations devoid of cynicism.

Director of Human Synergistics NZ Ltd, Shaun McCarthy, became involved with consulting in 1974 and introduced Human Synergistics in 1979. For more than 25 years, Human Synergistics’ Integrated Development System has been producing documented growth in individuals, groups and organisations. The company’s diagnostic instruments and accreditation services provide support to hundreds of consultants world-wide, inspiring unique perspectives on organisational structures, systems and technology and the impact these have on human behaviour and organisational performance Needless to say, McCarthy has a comprehensive understanding of HR departments and their role in New Zealand organisations. His immediate response to the presence of HR departments is, “Any successful organisation will have a strategic HR resource. HR is the change agent when it comes to adaptability and recognises that today and tomorrow will always be different.” McCarthy argues that HR has a vested interest in every element of the company and has multi-faceted potential. “It is the function in an organisation which has a pan perspective. It would be nonsensical for it not to have pan perspective and involvement because when

you get it right, HR is a major strategic resource and has an internal stability function.” So what constitutes good HR? First and foremost McCarthy says it is important to recognise that HR is always a function whether there is a department dedicated to it or not and sometimes people can get caught up in the term ‘department’. “If people always see it as a department there are irrelevancies. If it is seen as a function then it is critical. “A good HR function in a small company or HR department in a larger organisation is one that developments organisational models to support and drive that company’s performance,” McCarthy says. At the time of Du Fresne’s article in early 2010, he questioned the future of HR departments, noting that 49 management and administration roles including the entire HR department at Capital and Coast District Health were on the verge of being cut. He thought it ironic that HR could fall victim to the very revolution it set in motion. For more information on Shaun McCarthy and Human Synergistics New Zealand Ltd visit www.hsnz.co.nz

Do pretty Designs guarantee sales? It’s a common myth that having a pretty website design alone will guarantee sales. A website should be designed keeping in mind the most important question – what is the primary goal for having this website? For most commercial websites, it’s to either make more sales or generate more enquiries. It’s easy to get distracted by pretty pictures and promises of a great design when you are looking for a fresh new website, or upgrading your old one. But there is more to a successful website than just pretty designs. That’s not to say that the design of a website is not important. A shabby looking website that looks like it’s been built by someone working out of a garage will certainly damage the first impression people will have of your business. You only get one chance to give your website visitors a memorable first impression of your brand, and if they don’t like what they see they will most definitely move on to someone else that lives up to their expectations. Therefore, a professional looking website is great for building your visitors’ trust and making you look credible, which is important if you want them to do business with you.

meaning the right people (your target customers) are able to find your website. It is also essential that the content of your website – the headlines, the words, and images are addressing the questions and doubts that your target customers have so that they are persuaded to do business with you.

Services • Website Design

• E-Commerce

• Website Development

• Free Website Audit

• Online Promotion

• Free Website Consultation

• Website Strategy Planning

This is why we often recommend people to research the website design company thoroughly. You want to make sure that they are not just good at creating great designs, but that they are also able to cover off all the bases required to ensure that the website you end up with ultimately generates results and return on your investment. By Brent Kelly – Zeald.com For more information visit www.zeald.com

There are, however, other areas that have an even greater influence in determining whether your website will be a success or a failure. For example, you need a clear plan to ensure that you get a lot of targeted traffic to your site,

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 9

News Profile | Sir Peter Leitch

Method behind the

By Melinda Collins

“It was a great big bloody accident,” the Mad Butcher says of his success. “But it’s quite the fairytale story really.”

Prime Minister John Key and Sir Peter Leitch at the Mad Butcher and Suburban Newspapers Community Trust charity night where they raised $200,000 for the national burns unit.

Cover photograph by David Roberts Inside photos

courtesy of Copies of Sir Peter Suburban Newspapers Leitch’s book “What a Ride Mate,” posting by Phil Gifford, are available by at a cheque for $30 to Peter nukau, PO Box 54295, The Marina, Ma Auckland 2144 or emailing pcleitch@xtra.co.nz Brand consciousness: Sir Peter Leitch has built a successful business and a brand around a larger-than-life persona. However, the Mad Butcher is as well known as for his philanthrophy and near fanatical support of rugby league in general and the Warriors in particular.

As summations go, it’s not far off the mark. Peter Leitch left school at 15 with no qualifications and what would now be classified as dyslexia. More than half a century later his persona is one of the most recognisable in the country, he is renowned for his philanthrophy and home-spun philosophy, and he’s scooped up a knighthood along the way. It has been quite a journey from 1959 when, in his last year at Wellington Technical College, his form teacher summed him up as having a promising future as a “reliable worker”. After six months as the local postie, he jumped at the chance to work as a butcher’s boy for Charlie Yeoman at his shop in Seatoun. “When you don’t have great results from school, there are not a great number of jobs you can choose from. You couldn’t be too fussy — you really had to take what came along. “At first I chose to be a butcher for no reason other than to make a living.” And other than one incident, there was no doubting he was good. He was breaking down a beast when he stabbed himself in the thigh, the razor sharp boning knife flashing within an inch of his groin. “To be blunt, I nearly cut my dick off.” But on most days breaking down a carcass was a task in which he took pride. “It’s really an art, not many people recognise that. If you get it wrong, you’ll lose money on the carcass, so someone who can work quickly and cleanly is very valuable. I got a lot of pleasure in the work.” In 1964 he moved to Auckland, in 1965 he married and in 1967 he bought a business. Janice and Peter used to cruise around Auckland at the weekends in their first car, a 1950 Morris Minor. “We’d look at the odd butcher’s shop and on one particular day we saw a shop on Rosella Road in Mangere East that was for sale. It was closed but the owner was there with the land agent.” Long story short, Peter says, the owner financed them into the business. “We got the shop set up and called it Rosella Meats, because it was on Rosella Road — a very creative bit of thinking, that.” He had managed a butchery shop previously but quickly found ownership was a different kettle of fish, or meat perhaps. “Managing and owning are as different as black and white. What people don’t really understand is that to this day I don’t know all my alphabet, or my times tables, which is not a good thing if you’re in business.”

10 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

By some miracle he survived. What he didn’t know academically, he made up for with business bravado. “My mother used to shop at Self Help, because that was where you got a bargain. That was how I developed my business and that’s the way we’ve tried to continue to the present day.” In the late 1970s Peter noticed supermarkets were increasingly moving into the meat trade and he feared independent butchers like himself would be put out of business. Expansion was the only option. “The Rosella Road shop was never going to be a humdinger because it was in a side street. I battled on but it didn’t go that good. I had to work at night and from a very early hour in the morning to pay the rent.” A shop on Massey Road, where the Mad Butcher is still based today, was vacant. When the new Rosella Road landlord put the rent up to an unaffordable rate, Peter moved on. This is when he learned his biggest lesson. “You can try as hard as you like, but if you don’t have the right position, you’re wasting your time. It turned out for all the hard work I did at Rosella Road, I might as well have been pissing in the wind because its position wasn’t right. Business lesson two was loyalty. “I thought my customers would follow me around but they didn’t. I had to build a whole new base of customers. That was a learning curve — that people won’t automatically be loyal to you.”

Building a brand He called the new shop Rosella Meats, just like the old one. “I didn’t really know what a brand was in those days.” At Massey Road he utilised the side of the building for advertising specials and bargains. “It absolutely proved to me how important a good buy was. There was a dramatic difference if we had a red hot special. “That was when I learned how much position matters, because I went from making a living to making money.” In 1979 he started developing what would be a long association with radio and while no other butchery was doing the radio thing, he became a brand. A Maori “fella” walked into the local one time and said “there’s that f***ing mad butcher.” The slogan became ‘Rosella Meats, home of the Mad Butcher,’ before becoming simply The Mad Butcher. Specials were rarely seen in those days and shop hours were strictly Monday to Friday, nine to five. Peter led the charge in terms of opening hours — he was the first independent butcher to open on Sundays when he saw supermarkets starting to do the same. His philosophy always was — and always will be — huge turnover, low margins. He would spend almost all the profit from one week on advertising the next, without a worry. There was no science behind it, no complicated business theory, just a gut feeling.

News Profile | Sir Peter Leitch

Another philosophical gem from the The Mad Butcher is that price drives success. “Quality and service are important, but price is the most important. We’ve had not exactly loss leaders, but stuff where our margins were very, very fine. “So if we don’t sell volume, we don’t make money. We’re the people who brought cheaper meat prices to New Zealand.” “Where people get it wrong is that I’m not a shit-hot businessman. “If I was, I’d be a millionaire. I’m not poor but I’m not rich either. I was a very good butcher. That’s what I’d like to say.” But it was a lot of hard work. “I was very lucky I had a very supportive wife.” Plus, for 25 years, the responsibility for the books lay on Janice’s shoulders.

Good advice But she’s not the only woman who he credits his success to. His mother had some advice for her son when he entered the business — to always treat others as he would want to be treated. “It’s a simple principle, but that’s what I’ve always done.”

Money has never been the driving force behind the Mad Butcher’s business.

“I’ve enjoyed my sporting contacts, plus I’ve done a lot in the community. Most people are so focused on getting their business up and running that they don’t have the time for anything else.”

businessmen have had the fun building their business that I’ve had. “I’ve enjoyed my sporting contacts, plus I’ve done a lot in the community. I think it’s pretty rare for a businessman to do what I’ve done, which is to get into the other things. Most people are so focused on getting their business up and running that they don’t have the time for anything else.

Famous almost as much for his philanthropy, it’s a well known fact money has never been the driving force behind the business.

He continues to hire Peter as his brand manager, so his raspy voice still rings out on radios across the nation.

Yes, despite building one of New Zealand’s most successful brands, Sir Peter Leitch has never moderated his colourful language.

“People ask me if I had a vision when I got my first butcher’s shop. No, I didn’t have a vision. I could get up now and say I did — pretend I was Martin Luther King and say ‘I have a dream,’ but that’s bullshit.

The two other women in his life are daughters Julie and Angela. Julie’s partner Mike Morton purchased the company in 2007 and continues to build the Mad Butcher empire.

“The Mad Butcher has become folklore. It’s been a humbling journey, to be fair. I look up to the likes of Michael Hill. I was never a sharp businessman, I was just a good butcher.”

He concedes that he’s not a corporate high flyer; seemingly relishing the fact. “I’m not Michael Fay, but you’ve got to take every race for what it is.“ I doubt that any of the big

“I went into a butcher’s shop and all I wanted to do was pay the rent and survive. That was it, I didn’t set out to build a big brand, but that was what happened.”

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 11

News Profile | Zoe Dryden

Humbling experience By Melinda Collins

support for people to take this learning into organisational change.”

From intellectual manager to organisational leader, Zoe Dryden hit limitations; issues of self belief and fatigue, discouragement and loss of inspiration. She was successful, but she wasn’t fulfilled.

Partnered with Face Nepal (www.facenepal. org), Second Base was designed to provide support for impoverished villages, while at the same time teaching some of our most influential leaders what is really important. Face Nepal identifies a community which is organised and ready to accept support, surveys the resources, training and projects the community needs to become a role model and supporter to their surrounding villages.

So, she became a volunteer in a third world country. Now she’s sending New Zealand business leaders there to do the same. It all started with a successful corporate career. “I became interested in exploring how to genuinely make a difference to people around me. During the course of this exploration I learned about personal development, the importance of creating support networks and really testing your own integrity; being real about where you are and getting inspired about where you want to go.” There was a gap in the market for a leadership programme which supported company leaders to explore their own inspiration and the drivers behind what they do. If you can connect your goals to a bigger personal purpose, making it about more than fulfilling your own ego, then it becomes so much more fun, easier and satisfying.

“It seemed like the perfect link to have the executive group provide the resources and project support to this community strategy. The Second Base fee pays for the big projects the village needs and we go over and work with the villagers, during a component of the experience, to build it. “The not for profit organisation then overviews it, provides volunteers and ensures the community work provided is sustainable.”

Well tested

“It’s been very positively received. The testimonials have been amazing and many of my clients have become so inspired they have returned a second time.” It’s not always easy to convince people, she says. “I have heard it described as ‘rather edgy’ or misconstrued as ‘decadent,’ when in fact that could not be further from the truth. There are no luxuries in this experience, but nor is it hardship training.” The luxuries aren’t missed with the stimulations of the experiences encountered, she says, and the results from the people and organisations involved speak for themselves. It works well because of the types of people and companies that are attracted in the first place and the environment they host it in, she says. “By taking people to such an extreme place, they are immediately stripped of their existing reference points; intellectual, positional and material. This reduces a lot of people’s natural resistances and leaves them open to trying new things.” The world is starting to sit up and take notice, with Second Base being named as a finalist for Best International New Business at the Stevie Awards in New York. “There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone else light up as they realise their own possibilities and a way of creating what they want in their own organisations.” Later in the year Dryden will be launching a new programme targeted for parents and teens before expanding into other regions.

“That has a flow on effect for so many others.”

But the learning goes well beyond this. Executive training is based on robust tools and methodologies from various areas and tested before being used on clients. “It is almost the opposite concept to traditional training experiences hosted in five star resorts with the usual drinking and social dynamics of organisational cultures.

She knew where the help needed to begin. “I realised that if I wanted to make a difference, the best place to start was helping those in influential roles realise their own potential and become inspired to do more.

“This programme had the ability to provide something fun and memorable that experientially demonstrates social contribution and its connection to leadership. It helps people For more information on Second Base leadership programmes or if you are ‘get real’, as my pilot group described it.”

That pilot group was in April 2008 and it has “Second Base was my way of trying to help been onwards and upwards since then. people achieve this growth and provide 12 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

interested in partnering with Second Base to take the concept to other areas, visit www.second-base.org

Hazardous Goods made easy Chemical Freight Services Ltd (Chemfreight) is a modern, nationwide Hazardous Goods Storage and Distribution company specialising primarily in packaged chemicals, both raw materials and finished goods. Started in 1989, Chemfreight was the brainchild of Harry Price. Having worked in the chemical industry for a number of years, he saw an opportunity and industry need for the specialist third party storage and distribution of hazardous goods. Starting with a small warehouse and utility, this highly motivated innovator worked tirelessly to establish what has become arguably New Zealand’s leading Hazardous Goods storage and distribution company. Twenty-two years on, with fully compliant state-of-the-art facilities in both East Tamaki, Auckland and Hornby, Christchurch, Chemfreight is continually growing and looking for improvements in all facets of its operations including plans to establish a Wellington operation in the near future. With over 100 mainly long term clients, staff take seriously their obligations to helping clients meet ever-changing Dangerous Goods legislation and compliancy in the supplying of raw materials to manufacturers nationwide With a healthy blend of both experience and youth, Chemfreight invests greatly in its staff, training and regulatory systems in order to meet compliancy in both our warehousing and transport operations. With IT systems developed specifically for the storage and distribution of chemicals Chemfreight is continually improving these systems to meet ongoing changes in compliancy regulations, while also allowing for the passing of information in real time through B2B technology between clients and Chemfreight. Approximately 10 years ago through client demand, Chemfreight took a side step into “Toll Blending” and formed another division called Chemblend. Starting life as a one-man operation, this has very quickly grown into a very busy six-men operation and due to ongoing demand Chemfreight has plans to expand this side of the operation in the near future. Chemfreight offers the ability to blend/decant, store and distribute hazardous and non-hazardous goods on behalf of its clients. Through a hands on approach and leading from the front Harry has surrounded himself with a team of experienced, passionate people who are continually striving to take Chemfreight to the ”next level” and beyond. Please direct enquiries to: • Harry Price, Managing Director, phone 09 272 5522 • Debra Pickering, General Manager, phone 09 272 5521

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 13

Lifestyles | For You

lifestyles

get what it takes for stylish living…

destination Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Bet you didn’t see that coming! But if you’ve been to London, done Paris and are looking for something a bit more exotic for your holiday snaps, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan won’t let you down. World Expeditions offers a two week tour which explores these ancient countries, taking tourists along the Silk Road. Visiting the

cities built and destroyed by infamous figures such as Gengis Khan and Timur Lane will open your eyes to the rich history of Central Asia. Plenty of bazaars, museums, mosques, tombs, palaces and medressas fill the itinerary of this life-changing trip. RRP: $3990 (not including flights) www.worldexpeditions.co.nz

on the move

top drop

lighting

boy’s toy

Vespa Belladonna RV150

Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir

Living Light Candles

7n1 Grooming Kit

Imagine your next dinner party lit up by a bowl of floating candles as the centrepiece.

Like to be clean shaven during the week and then rock a bit of designer stubble in the weekend?

Living Light Candles offers a beautiful, hand-crafted range, all made by a group of artisans in Takaka. As if the flickering light wasn’t entrancing enough, the candles release soft fragrances as they burn, making them perfect for a bath, a massage or to create a romantic mood.

Whatever your preference, the 7n1 grooming kit from Philips is the answer.

Embrace your inner Italian. Speed off for a gelato with a doe-eyed bambini on the back of one of these classic red retro scooters. Or, more grounded in reality, use it to zip to work for a fraction of the price and hassle of a car. It may be brand new, but looks just as funky as the old-school type it is modelled on. Combining the ease and speed of a car with the affordability of biking, scooters are the perfect run around, especially for office commuters who are tired of spending $60 to fill up and then nearly the same amount on parking. On a scooter, parking is a breeze (and free) and a couple of weeks of petrol sets you back $8-10. RRP: $4400 plus on road costs Available: Stockists in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch www.retroscooter.co.nz

Few things in life are better than a good red wine and a hearty meal. And as autumn approaches, now’s the time to think about what to serve at your next dinner party. Look no further than the award-winning Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir. The 2009 vintage took out the overall award at 2010’s prestigious Air New Zealand wine awards, hailed by the chair of judges Steve Smith as “the finest example of the finest red wine variety in this country”. He went onto say, “Wild flowers, thyme and black fruits on the nose, nothing restrained but there are a few hidden earth and savoury bits hiding in the corner, with briary dry forest on the palate and black cherry and vivid fruit notes”. And at an affordable price it’s well worth a taste… if you can stop there! RRP: $39.99 Available: Wine shops in general and specifically from www.peregrinewines.co.nz

14 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

RRP: $23 for a box of three Available: Selected stockists around the country and www.livinglightcandles.co.nz

With “micro-blade technology” the company claims it will give you more precision than ever before to create the exact look you have in mind. The blades are made from hardened Inox steel, making them sharper than titanium. RRP: $119.95 Available: From stockists around the country

What’s Hot Heating your home, business or warehouse for less and still managing to look good.

It’s always a bit sad when the love affair with summer is interrupted. Today, heating up the outside deck or patio has become essential if we are to extend al fresco summer living through into autumn and the early winter months. Director of Heatmax NZ, Bev Jones-Prichard, talks about extending summer with outdoor heating and showcases two of the latest highly efficient, cost effective options on offer. “My first choice is usually the Heatmax HM450 portable gas patio heater, because being a directional heater you are able to place the heat source right where you need it and that seems like such an advantage to me,” she says. Heatmax manufactures this heater ourselves and it is now stocked by a range of stores throughout the country. It’s a beautiful state of the art addition to any home and we’re justifiably proud of it.” The Heatmax HM450 overcomes the problems of traditional round patio heaters because it is easy to light and has sturdy rubber wheels which make it easy to move. It has no round heat shield to blow away and dent and it wont rust, being constructed of heavy grade 304 stainless steel. It’s also very, very economical to operate and will burn for four times longer than your traditional mushroom heater on the same amount of fuel. It is extremely clean burning which means it can also be used under cover as well as indoors commercially. So not only is it great for use at home, but it is brilliant for use in businesses that want to heat work spaces or keep

patrons cozy without spending a fortune. As well as 9kg gas bottles, the heater accommodates 12kg and 18kg bottles also, so bottle changes are very infrequent and take up very little time. The heater will burn for 80 hours on the larger bottle. “Sometimes customers call and tell us their heater has broken down and we have to remind them to fill the gas bottle” Jones-Prichard laughs. Heatmax has a rental division to cater to this market and all rent payments are fully tax deductible. The company has some great early bird rental deals going right now.

Both these heaters deliver safe clean radiant heat to homes and businesses cheaply and efficiently and the fact that they are design pieces doesn’t go amiss either.

Also highly economical to operate is the Heatstrip electric panel, so if space doesn’t permit, or you prefer an electrical option, the Heatstrip panel has become the heating choice of many discerning homeowners who are attracted by its slim, minimal appearance. The heat output is gentle and pleasant like sitting in warm sunshine without the harmful UV rays. It too, is a great choice for businesses looking to heat work stations or for cafes and restaurants because it can go indoors or out. It can be wall or ceiling mounted.

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phone 0800 900 056 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 15

Products | For You

products

empowerment … it’s all about getting a grip on the right power source …

By Kate Pierson

We’re all about empowering our peeps. And while we can’t guarantee our products will give you girls the age inhibiting qualities of Botox, or that the busty babe you boys have been scoping out will think you’re the best thing since silicon, what we can promise is that you’ll feel like the best thing since sliced bread when you gear up with these babies.

power play Boys: The power driver If you’re seeking a power game, then TaylorMade’s new beast, the R11, is just the business. In a massive deviation from the traditional, the white crown and black face deliver ultimate contrast to aid alignment at address. An adjustable sole plate and hosel, along with movable weights, allows you to tailor the club to your swing, meaning membership to the elusive 300 club might be one swing away. Available: From February, at a golf store near you. RRP: $ 699

Girls: Te Moata Women are amazing and I’m not just saying that because I am one. It’s hard work being perfect (I should know), as is being everything to everyone. To learn the art of how to make the most of those small morsels of time we have to ourselves, Te Moata is a sanctuary for people and for nature. Hosting multiple annual meditation retreats, Te Moata is your little slice of sanity where you can recharge and empower your mind, body and soul. Available: www.temoata.org RRP: POA

power moves Boys: Range Rover Sport

Girls: BMW Z4 Convertible

Just call it ‘The Beast’. It’s got more attitude than your teenage daughter; more ferocity than your wife when you’re late home and more brawn than an action hero on steroids. The Range Rover Sport is much more than a mode of transport; it’s masculinity at its finest.

She’s hotter than the Sahara and got curves like Beyonce.

Available: Archibalds — The home of Range Rover www.archibalds.co.nz

Available: Jeff Gray BMW, www.jeffgraybmw.co.nz

RRP: From $137, 990 plus on-road costs.

RRP: From $93,900 plus on-road costs.

magic mojo Boys: The Power Tie Let this style stud-muffin doing the talking. When you wear it, men will want to be you, women will want to be on you and the execs will want to hire you. The power tie; the greatest gift to man. Available: Working Style, www.workingstyle.com RRP: $129

Girls: Lingerie They say it’s what’s on the inside that really counts and when you’ve got lingerie on that’s as sweet as sugar, you’re keeping power and passion close to your heart. Available: Savoir Lingerie and Swimwear, www.savoir.co.nz RRP: Isobel Underwire Plunge Bra $129.99, Isobel Luxury Thong $64.99

16 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Just call her perfection because she purrs like a kitten, but has the speed of a Cheetah. The BMW Z4 is heaven on wheels.

Across the country, nearly 400 staff work in the 37 owner operated Office Products Depot outlets. This means the company has been New Zealand owned and operated from when it started until today.

convenience through a variety of methods. Office Products Depot caters to the needs of its customers by supporting orders placed by phone, e-mail, fax, standard mail or online via its website.

CEO Dianne McAteer puts the company’s growth and longevity down to a focus on customer service.

Each customer has their own unique login details and lists of regularly shopped products. Orders are picked, packed and dispatched with most deliveries arriving on the customer’s door step the next day. For those customers in a hurry or who like to browse the shelves, some locations feature showrooms and retail space so they can shop when it suits them.

“Our customer service is second to none and that’s something we’ve put a lot of time and effort into. We really invest in our people. Last year our staff went on 350 training days all up – both in classroom learning and online. We have our own programme, which is quite unusual; businesses often rely on outsourced training.”

Kiwis serving Kiwis. That’s what Office Products Depot has been about for the last 20 years. And while its branding may be changing, this key principle is staying the same.

The specialised training also creates a company culture, even though the employees live and work across the country. “Because of our company culture, when we get together at our yearly conferences or at road shows, everyone feels part of a bigger group. This makes it easier to interact and share ideas.”

Stock and service A typical request from a company works like this. A business will discuss its needs and budget with the local Office Products Depot account manager. The account manager will ask pertinent questions to figure out the product and service needs relevant to that customer. As you would expect, lawyers need different office supplies to manufacturers. Once a range of products has been identified, pricing is negotiated based on the volume and frequency of the customer’s ordering behaviour and an account is set up. The customer can then place orders at their

Another bonus for Office Products Depot customers is the smorgasbord of options. Not only does it have 5000 items in its catalogue, but it has access to 100,000. “We will look really hard for anything our customers need. If it’s obsolete, if it’s rare – we will go the extra mile to source it,” McAteer explains. That’s why with its recent re-branding, Office Products Depot has chosen the slogans ‘Your Office Supply Heroes’ and ‘No one loves your office like we do,’ and a new heart shaped logo. It wanted to show in its branding how committed it is to customer service and its passion for its product selection. While it has survived the recession successfully and is proud of its many staff, customers and outlets around the country, Office Products Depot isn’t resting on its laurels. “We would like to take on some bigger clients,” McAteer says. “We have really upgraded our capabilities, and can support large corporate companies. But we’re still proud to support SMEs. They are the heartland of this country.”

• 5000 items, overnight delivery and 100 percent Kiwi owned and operated.

Office Products Depot 37 Outlets Nationwide 0800 Office www.opd.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 17

Events | Diary

business | events ▲ Thursday, March 14

14th Annual Payroll Conference — EMA Northern Welcome to an in depth review of 2011’s critical payroll changes and learn how to implement them in your business. To register visit www.emaevents.co.nz

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Wednesday, March 16

The Accountants’ Business and Tax Update — New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants Economic, tax and financial reporting updates, topical business issues such as business communication tools, fraud and security issues and sustainable business practices. To register visit www.nzica.com

Tuesday, March 22

Introduction to Business Seminar — Inland Revenue Manukau For people who are new to business or planning to start a business, covering working smarter with online tools, business structures, income tax, expenses, record keeping, GST and more. To register visit www.ird.govt.nz

Monday, March 28 to Wednesday, March 30

Leadership, Motivation and Teambuilding — New Zealand Institute of Management Managers and team leaders want self motivated team culture. This course provides the essential skills to understand the impact and contribution leaders have within a team. To register visit www.nzimnorthern.co.nz

Wednesday, March 30

New Zealand Directors Luncheon — New Zealand Institute of Directors The purpose of this lunch is to enable new directors to question four experienced, senior directors on whatever issues they wish, to equip and promote themselves for board positions. To register visit www.iod.org.nz

Monday, April 4

2011 Topical Tax and ACC Update — New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants Highlights of the key tax changes in the past 18 months, including the taxation of QCs and LAQCs, depreciation on buildings and commercial fit-out, definition of income, new GST rules relating to land transactions and change in use adjustments. To register visit www.nzica.com

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Wednesday, April 13

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Wednesday, April 13 to Thursday, April 14

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Thursday, April 14

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Tuesday, April 19

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Tuesday, May 3

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Thursday, May 19

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Wednesday, May 25

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Tuesday, May 31

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Tax Clinic — Inland Revenue Onehunga This tax clinic is designed to help you with your tax refund, IRD number verification, Working for Families and other tax credits, business tax and how to work smarter with online tools. To register visit www.ird.govt.nz Facilitation Skills — New Zealand Institute of Management Ensure productive group processes by maximising the performance of your team. To register visit www.nzimnorthern.co.nz Going for Growth — The Knowledge Gym Learn from global sales expert Peter Gilchrist, a successful businessman and coach. His straight to the point message comes from years of motivating his own successful sales force and helping others grow. To register visit www.theknowledgegym.co.nz Xero Certification — New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants Xero is an award-winning online accounting system designed specifically for small businesses and their advisors. This CPD Verified training course is for bookkeepers and consultants, providing a complete overview. To register visit www.nzica.com GST Workshop — Inland Revenue Manukau A hands-on session where you complete a mock cash book and GST return; ideal for sole traders, partnerships and other small businesses. To register visit www.ird.govt.nz Building a Business Case — New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants Investments are only made if business owners are satisfied potential returns will meet their strategic and financial goals. To register visit www.nzica.com Employer Workshop — Inland Revenue Botany Downs Learn the basics of business; who is an employer, online services and business tools and learn how to file your paperwork. To register visit www.ird.govt.nz New and Aspiring Directors Luncheon — New Zealand Institute of Directors A monthly workshop which is held over a two-hour a la carte luncheon at the Northern Club. To register visit www.iod.org.nz

Tuesday, July 5 to Thursday, July 7

PMINZ Conference 2011 — Project Management Institute of New Zealand Innovation is the key driver for project success in these challenging times, achieving results by being creative, competitive, collaborative and thinking outside the square. For more information email conf2011@pmi.org.nz

If you have events you would like featured in the Events Diary, email newsroom@academy.net.nz at least two months before the date of the event. Or, if you have held an event and would like to supply photos for the Been Seen section (along with 100 words about the event and a caption for each image), send to newsroom@academy.net.nz 18 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Viewpoint | Management

Let’s save the businesses the banks would destroy The following is the opinion of David Newport, a director at Switch Business:

A question often asked of us during the current market downturn is: ‘where are all the distressed business opportunities?’ It is a good question because there are certainly very few businesses being marketed by brokers at present. Those firms that are up for sale are, in the main, smaller, less mature businesses which would always struggle in the challenging economic climate we find ourselves in. The distressed opportunities that qualified, experienced purchasers are looking for are quality businesses, which may be struggling to keep afloat solely because of the debt levels they were saddled with going into the recession. You may recall that, in those halcyon days, the big four (Australian) banks were fighting each other to lend money to business owners and purchasers all throughout the decade until the tap was turned off in spectacular fashion in early 2009.

these troubled business owners to experienced purchasers, who have either the cash or equity to buy-in or buy-out the business owner well before he or she loses everything. It may not surprise you to learn that these intermediaries are not interested. The banks would rather pass the perfectly good business on to the blood suckers, receivers and liquidators to bleed the carcass dry and let an otherwise solid business bite the dust. Why would they do this? Maybe it is just the tried and true method which covers the banker’s posterior? Even by the stage it gets to the receivers and liquidators, there would still be something to salvage if they cared for anything but their billable hours. A forced sale almost always leads to a destruction of value. A good broker will work to optimise the value of your business.

I note that the government is currently looking at the issue of those who currently have the responsibility for liquidating businesses. Its proposed Insolvency Practitioners Bill would If you purchased a business, or borrowed for allow the registrar of companies to ban expansion in late 2007 or 2008, your business those deemed unfit to carry out liquidations, would almost certainly instantly break the voluntary administrations and receiverships. I covenants you agreed to when you took on the should also say that I have dealt with a couple loan. Now — in most cases — there would be of very decent receivers/liquidators over recent very little wrong with the business at all, but times, but they are in the great minority if our the owner would have to focus on how he or experience is anything to go by. she can hold off their bank long enough to ride out the recession. His or her eye would not be If you talk to any experienced business broker focused on developing the business, but rather who has had dealings with the liquidators and their ilk, they have been told very succinctly on creating any number of reports each week to mind their own business. That’s even when to satisfy the voracious bank. the brokers want to discuss a business that The lenders, in this type of environment, are they had successfully sold in the past, and likely to overreact to any cashflow problems, could help sell again. The liquidators point out however short-term, and may well force the they have been appointed by the first secured sale or liquidation of an otherwise perfectly creditor, namely the bank. sound business. So another perfectly good business has gone, How did we get here? Because of the the owners’ lives are ruined and, in most competition between the banks since the turn cases, the only people paid are the liquidators, of the millennium, and the near two decades the receivers and those at the bank. It would of boom times before and after then, the be interesting to quantify this destruction of banks were often lending 100 percent of the wealth to the overall domestic economy. purchase price of a business and, via debtor finance packages, any working capital needed Wouldn’t it be sensible to first gauge if there is an appetite for the business in the market as well. before it is passed onto these organisations? It Because money was very easy to get, and not only makes logical sense, but moral sense cheap, there was real competition between as well. buyers and this drove up the business sale price being asked and achieved. So businesses We have numerous cashed up buyers that would step into the breach and buy these were being sold to purchasers at elevated businesses. The current owners wouldn’t lose prices and, in a lot of cases, up to and over their shirts; the banks would, in most cases, 100% financed; it doesn’t take much of a limit their losses and alleviate the pressure on downturn for firms in this situation to very their reinsurers by having the business back quickly begin to sink under their debt levels. within acceptable covenants. To make matters worse, the global recession Not all businesses will be saleable, but let’s try originated with the banks and their frankly dodgy lending practices. Lenders were quick to to save the ones that can be sold. shut up shop, leaving their credit departments to again rule the roost to scale back all previously agreed covenants — causing lots of business owners throughout the world to lose significant amounts of sleep and hair. In many cases there was nothing fundamentally wrong with these businesses; they just carried too much debt! We have, over the last two years, tried to make contact with the troubleshooter who sits between the shop window and the bank’s dreaded collections department. We have offered the bank our expertise in introducing

www.switchbusiness.co.nz About Switch Business: Switch Business was formed in 2009 by experienced businesspeople Paul Devcich and David Newport. Between them, they have direct experience owning and operating businesses in property development and management, design and construction, plastics, advertising, market research, air conditioning, and freight forwarding. The two Switch Business principals have overseen in excess of 300 business sales and acquisitions.

In print

Leadership strength

Two centuries ago, American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson characterised periods of revolution as some of the most interesting times to experience. “The old and the new stand side by side, when the historic glories of the old can be compensated by the rich possibilities of the new.”

But nothing ensures success so much as a strong leader at the helm. To coincide with the market diversification, Guardian Print appointed a new general manager, Steve Gallop. With 35 years of experience in the printing industry, predominantly in the heatset arena, Gallop had the strength and experience to bring the company into the new era. He has worked for the two main heatset companies in the country and most recently worked as an independent business consultant.

By Emerson’s logic, the revolutionary transformations which proliferate the printing industry make it an exciting industry to be involved in by its very nature. The strong growth, diversification and innovation which characterises Guardian Print, allowing the company to provide its services nationwide, give the company an even stronger air of excitement.

Expanding markets

Guardian Print is a subsidiary of the Ashburton Guardian newspaper, one of only three independently owned daily newspapers in New Zealand. Owned by the Bell family for more than 100 years, the company is well aware of the importance of constant reinvigoration, Guardian Group general manager Ross Mains says. “Technology is about continual improvement in quality and Guardian Print continues to research and put equipment in place that constantly lifts the quality of our printing for our customers.” It’s been hard work for Guardian Print getting established in the glossy heatset printing market. But it’s been well worth it, with the company now servicing printing needs nationwide. Traditionally servicing the coldset market, Guardian Print purchased a new Dauphin Graphics DGM 430 heatset press from America four years ago, embarking on a new direction in print. The new heatset printing machinery takes the company’s commitment to excellence a step further, offering cost-effective, quality heatset printing for those requiring tight turn arounds. Mains says Guardian Print’s business was built around coldset printing, which involves printing on news print type paper.

“He’s bringing more knowledge about heatset printing and developing that side of our market further,” Mains says.

“We print three daily newspapers for Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru, and we print a multitude of other tabloid papers all over the country, including Auckland Today,” he says. “We’ve been operating within that market for about 15 years, during which we have secured a large proportion of that market. We’re the largest independent printer of such publications in the South Island and one of the largest in New Zealand.” However, the company identified an opportunity to print on glossy paper and expand its offering to customers. “We recognised that heatset printing would give our existing clients the ability to further enhance their publications by putting glossy covers and sections in their publications,” Mains says. “It would also give us an opportunity to grow into other markets, including fully glossy tabloids or magazines, brochures and marketing material.” The diversification into the heatset market has extended the company’s commercial stretch. “Today we enjoy a nationwide market, with a large proportion of our heatset printing in the North Island.” It’s made possible by the strong freight connections Guardian Print has established. “We have developed strong relationships with several freight companies so we can still offer overnight or 36 hour delivery turnaround.”

“We’ve got a good foothold in that market and it’s growing,” Gallop says. “Heatset printing is my area of expertise and I’ve brought in both a skillset and knowledge to make that happen, and we’re well down that track. “I wanted to get back into print and Guardian Print is in a growth phase, which is the challenge that I enjoy. It’s about the challenge of success — that’s probably what motivates me the greatest.” The culture of the company is one of its strengths, he adds. “It’s an easy ship to steer and hierarchy isn’t a big thing in the business. Everyone plays a hands-on role and passion is a critical part.” Gallop says Guardian Print already has a good name in the coldset print market and is working hard to grow its heatset business. “That’s where bringing myself and other key positions has helped.” One of those key acquisitions has been Karl Stanbra. The Auckland sales representative has a wealth of knowledge in the heatset market, strong relationships in the industry in the North Island and outstanding customer service, Mains says. “Our biggest asset has always been our team. We have a fantastic team of people who are committed to making us successful.” Ashburton Guardian Print 2 Kermode Street Ashburton T (03) 307 7933 F (03) 307 0508 E ross.m@theguardian.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 19

Business Development | McDermond Plumbing & Gasfitting

Building a company from the basement up We’ve all got to start somewhere. That’s something Ian McDermond knows for a fact. He began his plumbing and gasfitting business in 1990 from the basement of his grandmother’s house. Today McDermond and his 17 employees are now celebrating the company’s 21st birthday, with a raft of successful projects behind them and a number of bright ambitions for the future. In 1990 New Zealand was just coming out of a recession after the 1987 stockmarket crash. “So I’ve come full circle!” McDermond jokes. He started his plumbing apprenticeship in 1975, picking up his plumbing and gas-fitting licence five years later in 1980. For the next eight years he sailed around the world, before returning to New Zealand and working for his old boss for three years. On April’s Fool Day in 1990, he started working for himself from his grandmother’s basement, determined his business was not to be an April Fool’s joke. “It was tough going, I was working six days a week and doing paperwork into the wee hours, pricing things and organising quotes.

“We’re excellent problem solvers; we have a very high success rate in solving hard problems. Whether it’s the calibration of gas valves or doing tricky multi-storey plumbing, we will figure out a solution.” Ian McDermond

“After seven months on my own I was then in the position to employ my first staff member. I enjoyed being my own boss even though I worked all those unpaid hours. “It was challenging — that whole dynamic of being the sales manger, the technical manager, the accounts manager and your own secretary in one!”

Congratulates McDermonds

Plumbers on their 21st Anniversary. www.apexvalves.co.nz

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20 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Congratulations to Ian & the team for providing Plumbing & Gas Solutions for 20 years

LPG, NATURAL GAS, PLUMBING INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS www.galprostylex.co.nz

Business Development | McDermond Plumbing & Gasfitting

Staff and services Covering all aspects of industry from plumbing and gas-fitting to roofing and drainage, McDermond decided to offer a carpentry and electrical service as well, to make his company a one stop shop. McDermond says his carpentry and electrical subcontractors “make life easier for our customers. They know they can get everything done with one phone call.” A new service McDermond offers is waterblasting. He perceived there was a market for this when the overspillage of sewage onto driveways made headlines. “It has evolved to us cleaning other domestic areas such as tennis courts and by swimming pools. We also work in commercial premises like factory floors, shopping complex foyers, schools and carparks. We just saw a service and decided we could do it. “Slimy, dirty driveways are ugly and downright dangerous. With us, it’s easy to get them cleaned professionally. We don’t use chemicals when we clean so our service is environmentally friendly too.” McDermond Plumbing & Gasfitting employs 17 employees, including two apprentices. “We feel it’s important to take apprentices on,” McDermond says. “We like putting something back into the trade, it’s good for the future of industry. Two of our previous apprentices did their OEs, then came back to work for us.” Many of McDermond’s employees have worked with him for years. The longest serving has been with him for 12 years, another seven, and the rest around five years. To celebrate the company’s 21st anniversary, McDermond is planning on taking away the staff to have a surprise celebration. “I think it’s important to say thank you for all of their hard work.”

Variety of capabilities McDermond says the work his company tackles is a mixed bag. About 20 percent is domestic and industrial installation and the rest is maintenance.

Last year, it did all the plumbing and gasfitting for a foundry for a company called Sika who makes aluminium floor plates. McDermonds It also did the gas-fitting for Nekta, a juice bottling company.

“These were challenging jobs. We worked on these big projects for anywhere between six weeks and three months,” McDermond says. Feature continues on next page >>

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Complete DeteCtion — provider of pipe tracing and leak detection services for mCDermonDs plumbing — congratulate ian and his team on a successful 21 years of business and wish them every success for the future.

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 21

Business Development | McDermond Plumbing & Gasfitting

Services  Plumbing  Gas-fitting  Roofing  Drain laying  Drain unblocking  Hydro-jetting  CCTV investigations  Pipe locating  Waterblasting  Carpentry (subcontractor)  Electrical (subcontractor)

Strengths  An established name with

21 years of a good reputation

 Great technical skills  Excellent problem-solvers  Member of the Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers’ Association

 Staff members are regularly sent to upskilling courses

 Keep up with the latest industry trends

 Have long-serving employees  Take on apprentices and teach them well

 Subcontract electrical and

carpentry work, making them a one-stop shop

“Predominately our work is maintenance that evolves from our commercial and domestic projects. We have really good on-going maintenance programmes, which we do very well because we really get to know the site equipment we work with,” McDermond says.

A residential project McDermond Plumbing & Gasfitting worked on was the plumbing and gasfitting for 200 houses in a new subdivision within 16 months. “Many of the houses were small town houses, so it’s not quite as intense as it sounds. But they all had two bathrooms and a kitchen and a laundry. All of that put a lot of pressure on the guys.”

Always on call

• Vacuum Cleaners • Shampoo Machines • Water Blasters & Pressure Cleaners • High & Ultra High Pressure Pumps • Sewer Cleaning & Water Jetting • Water Recycling • Agricultural & Spray Equipment • Design & Build • Accessories and Detergents

Congratulations on your 21st anniversary! 12 Greenpark Road, Penrose Phone: (09) 579 2674 Fax: (09) 525 0861 Email: sales@kerrick.co.nz

24 Hours | 7 Days Phone 0800 62 33 62 www.mcdermond.co.nz 22 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

One of the best parts about McDermond Plumbing & Gasfitting’s services, McDermond says, is that it operates 24/7. If there’s no gas in a factory or if the toilets start leaking in an office building, there’s no waiting around for office hours to get it fixed. At McDermond Plumbing & Gasfitting, someone is always on call, ready to come in and look after the company’s customers. Most of all, McDermond believes that what really stands his company apart from his competitors is good technical ability. “Our staff members are very skilled. We have a very high technical ability in plumbing, gasfitting, roofing and drainage, meaning we do jobs

other companies won’t touch. We’re excellent problem solvers; we have a very high success rate in solving hard problems. “Whether it’s the calibration of gas valves or doing tricky multi-storey plumbing, we will figure out a solution.” McDermond Plumbing & Gasfitting is a member of the Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Association. This organisation works to exacting standards and follows a strict code of conduct. “This is a fantastic organisation for the access to information and the up-skilling advice and services they give you. It also has such a good reputation that people trust us when they see we are a member. So it’s good for us and the public to see the brand and know we can be trusted.” McDermond was the president of the Auckland branch of the Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Association for three years and then nationally for a year. He knows how important it is for staff to keep up with new technology and learning newer, faster ways of doing things, which is why they are often sent to courses for this purpose.

Business Development | McDermond Plumbing & Gasfitting

Guarantee Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ Inc provides consumers with a 12-month guarantee covering advance payment protection and substandard workmanship.

 Advance payment protection

Protects you from loss of an advance payment to a contractor, for labour, materials and products where the contractor is unable to fulfil contractual obligations due to liquidation or bankruptcy. It covers:  Incomplete residential work up to the amount prepaid by you, the consumer, to a maximum of $15,000 inc GST.  Situations where the company or sole trader have ceased trading, and/or are in liquidation or bankruptcy.  Replacement (if necessary) and installation of any product purchased by the contractor from pre/part payment made by you, the consumer, that has not been installed and cannot be retrieved from the original contractor.

 Workmanship cover

Professional relationships

Looking forward

McDermond says he has worked closely with many of his suppliers over the last 21 years and built solid professional relationships with them.

As McDermond plans to semi-retire, there is a succession plan in place for the company.

“There are too many to name all of them individually, but many of them have been with me since I started, and others for a good five, ten, fifteen years. I have appreciated their good service.”

Monthly specials Each month, McDermond Plumbing & Gasfitting has a special on an item. See www.mcdermonds.co.nz for details of what’s coming up every month.

“Whether it’s the calibration of gas valves or doing tricky multi-storey plumbing, we will figure out a solution.” IAN McDERMOND

“We still want to grow. We’re going to break the company into five divisions to enable key employees to buy into the company. It will give them the opportunity to grow the business in their fields with management support. It will also be good as it will spread our administration costs.” When this happens, the company will be more of a boutique franchise than in the past. The name will be kept, because it has such resonance in the industry. McDermond says he would like to see the company keep up with its technical knowledge, especially as electronics are becoming more involved in the industry. And while McDermond will be stepping back, he won’t be out of the picture entirely. He still wants to be involved with the company he started 21 years ago from his grandmother’s basement. “Everyone knows I will still be here in the background for a long time to come!”

Proud to be a supplier of roofing and rainwater goods to

McDermond Plumbing & Gasfitting PO Box 128 180 Remuera Auckland 1541 T 0800 62 33 62 www.mcdermond.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Protects you from substandard workmanship by a current Master Plumbers member. It covers:  Substandard workmanship, irrespective of whether the contract is complete, to be remedied by either the original contractor or an alternative member as determined by Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ  Substandard workmanship that is upheld by Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ  Work done by the original contractor only  Labour costs, up to $10,000 inc GST

 Residential work

 Unpaid contracts where the amount unpaid relates solely to the specific work in dispute.

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Site Safe proudly congratulates McDermond

Plumbing & Gasfitting on their 21st Anniversary

McDermond Plumbing & Gasfitting

Loyal Site Safe members for 5 years (09) 274 6487 55 Harris Rd, East Tamaki, Manukau City, Auckland www.stratco.co.nz

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Tel: (09) 634 0365, (04) 499 2509, (03) 348 5788 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 23

Business Development | Brevini New Zealand

Changing gears Brevini New Zealand is part of a global corporation that is leading the world in the production of gearboxes and hydraulic equipment. The business is a subsidiary of international company Brevini, based in Italy and formed 50 years ago. With more than 30 subsidiary companies throughout the world, Brevini has multiple manufacturing units globally, including in Italy, Germany, USA and China. Brevini has been operating in New Zealand for 20 years as the assembly, sales and service company responsible for all Brevini Power Transmission and Brevini Fluid Power products. Today, the company is a dominant force in the New Zealand power transmission and hydraulic industry. Its head office in East Tamaki services New Zealand clients with standard and tailormade engineering solutions, undertaking design, assembly, fabrication and testing by a large team of experienced engineers.

Above: Brevini wheel/ track drives provide highly efficient and reliable motive force for mobile wheel and track drive applications. Right: Brevini NZ can put together a modular package of products, such as this winch, external gearbox, brake and hydraulic motor.

There are additional satellite staff strategically located throughout the North Island, with a branch employing three people in Christchurch servicing the South Island.

Below: One of Brevini’s tanning drum drives.

Brevini products Brevini operates extensively in a range of industries, including agriculture, dairy, marine, forestry, transportation, construction, food/beverage, energy (hydro and wind), wastewater, industrial and mobile sectors. Brevini works closely forming business partnerships within these industries and has developed a modular package of products that ensure improved efficiency, reduced weight and size and the highest levels of reliability and component interchange ability. Its single and multi-stage planetary units can be assembled quickly to suit the widest range of drive applications. Features of the planetary gearboxes include their use of innovating technology for industrial applications and self-propelled machines, and their capacity for massive torque transmission, particularly where applications require slow rotational speed. In many applications, the Brevini planetary gearbox is a cost-effective solution with a much larger torque capacity for its size than conventional gear units. Installing these gearboxes can offer customers huge

Proud to support Brevini NZ Ltd

financial and space savings, with improved life expectancy and innovative mounting options. The recent extension to the Brevini S Series range of high-torque planetaries means they now have a standard item capable of handling two million Nm of torque, with this unit having a 600mm output shaft. Brevini PIV helical and bevel helical gearboxes are designed and built in Germany using consolidated technology for high-power industrial applications. They feature greater thermal power dissipating capacity and the capability to work in a continuous cycle, with weights and dimensions relative to performance. Brevini PIV Posiplan patented gear units, purposely designed and built for shaftmounted applications, feature a combination of both planetary, spiral bevel and helical gears and take advantage of the strengths of each technology. Brevini wheel/track drives provide highly efficient and reliable motive force for mobile wheel and track drive applications, while the company’s hoisting winches offer excellent performance and compact size, with all mechanical and hydraulic parts located inside the winch drum. A long history within the wind power generation industry has seen the set up of Brevini Wind in the USA, a separate plant manufacturing wind turbine drives up to five megawatt. The “heart” of every product — the gear sets, in which Brevini has over 50 years’ experience — are all manufactured in-house.

New Zealand operation Brevini NZ is unique to the New Zealand market in being able to offer an unbiased opinion as to a suitable drive solution. Sales manager Kevin Mowles says while Brevini NZ assembles and services the company’s specialty industrial hydraulics and gearboxes to suit NZ applications, nearly all the parts are manufactured in the company’s factories in Italy and Germany. “The New Zealand operation is the same as the international company, although we’re a bit more hands-on here, we have to be adaptable to suit our market, this includes having a large workshop facility,” he says. “We design and build and are involved in a lot of project work where we’re asked to provide a whole package of equipment to provide the solution.”

Delivering for...

Brevini NZ Ltd Ltd customers and their business customers

Suppliers of cutting tools, abrasives, fasteners, hand tools, industrial oils & lubricants, powertools, SMC pneumatic fittings & Titon brass fittings. ®

45 Springs Road, East Tamaki, Auckland Phone: 09 274 4125 Fax: 09 274 7926 Email: sales@enco.co.nz www.enco.co.nz 24 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Localdeliveries deliveries • Local Extensivesame same day day regional regionaldeliveries deliveries • Extensive Nationwideovernight overnightdelivery deliveryservice service • Nationwide by9.30am 9.30am • by Internationalexpress expressservices services • International

For more information on all our courier services, call our customers services team on 0800 800 84 8411oror ww w.nzcouriers.co.nz visit us at www.nzcouriers.co.nz

Stauff Corporation NZ Ltd would like to congratulate Brevini on their 20th Anniversary Focused on helping our customers discover and develop high-value, innovative solutions, the team at STAUFF New Zealand look forward to helping you develop tomorrow’s competitive advantages in your business, today

Ph: 09 271 48 12 Email: info@stauff.co.nz www.nz.stauff.com

Business Development | Brevini New Zealand

Brevini is a dominant force in the New Zealand power transmission and hydraulic industry. Left: A chip conveyor, built by Brevini NZ.

International support The backing of a large international corporation means clients of Brevini New Zealand Limited can rest easy knowing their projects are in great hands. Sales manager Kevin Mowles says Brevini NZ is a factory-owned subsidiary of a large global company. “We’ve got all the benefits of a larger company with international back up, with very much a local flavour and a local team involved,” he says. “It gives us the best of both worlds, with a large international financial structure behind us.” This backing means Brevini customers can have peace of mind knowing their project is well supported, having made large investments in the New Zealand company over recent years, plus having access to the best products and knowledge available in the world.

Local projects Brevini NZ has undertaken many significant projects over the years and has recently begun the design and build of the hydraulics for the Wynyard Crossing, a pedestrian and cycle bridge that will connect the Wynyard Quarter to the Viaduct in Auckland.

“We have to come up with the relevant hydraulic package incorporating power packs and winches designed around the client’s specification,” Mowles says. Brevini NZ has worked with many large New Zealand companies such as Carter Holt Harvey, providing gearboxes into saw and paper mills and a host of other industrial settings. Brevini has a history of not only replacing older drives with a more engineered solution, but offering customers value for money. Possible solutions are considered against longterm maintenance costs to come up with the right solution, together with their BreCalc gearbox life programme, actively predicting life according to duty cycle. This has proved useful for client preventative maintenance programmes. Brevini NZ is also heavily involved in driving rotary milking platforms, both hydraulically and electrically. Mowles says the company provides an all-encompassing product range that offers solutions to virtually drive application. “Our range of applications never ceases to amaze me,” he says. “Brevini has a policy of reasonably aggressive product development

in Europe and we try and apply that to New Zealand industry. There are some very innovative products, including Posiplan, which combines traditional helical gearboxes and Brevini’s planetary expertise into a hybrid gearbox. We’ve used these in New Zealand in many conveyor applications.” The new Posiplan PH and BPH shaft-mounted range of gearboxes employs the planetary stages at the input and intermediate stages, where higher speed and compactness are a major advantage, and the helical stage at the slower, higher torque output side. The result is a hybrid gearbox offering the best of both products and delivering far higher capacities from smaller units, allowing a reduction in size, or a significant increase in capacity over a more traditional design.

High-quality product “The quality of the Brevini product is very high. We rely on the factory to source the highest grades of steel and the use of state-of-the-art machinery with dedicated CNC processes,” Mowles says.

“It’s also the people and the client base we’ve put together, in combination with our range of products and how they’re applied. “We have some very skilled people here who have good experience in different industries. “Most of us have been back to the Brevini factory in Italy for training and updates so we’re all factory-trained technicians.” While New Zealand’s recent recession has slowed Brevini NZ’s growth, Mowles says the company is enjoying continued steady development.

Brevini NZ Limited PO Box 58 418, Botany Manukau 2163 T (09) 250 0050 www.brevini.co.nz — Advertising Feature

He attributes this focus on quality to the success of the company over 50 years.

LEADERS IN ELECTRIC AND HYDRAULIC POWER TRANSMISSION 9 Bishop Croke Place East Tamaki, Auckland - 09 250 0050 Waikato - 027 438 5638 BOP - 027 440 5000 Lower N.I. - 027 448 8492 Christchurch - 03 338 3916 Web: www.brevini.co.nz - Email: info@brevini.co.nz

Postal: PO Box 204 198, Highbrook, Auckland 2161 Physical: 63 Allens Road, East Tamaki, Auckland

Tel: +64 9 274 5353 Fax: +64 9 274 5295 Email: brook@cegnz.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 25

Do you have a fussy dog? All theNatural Goodness your pet deserves

in the palm of your hand Add to Dry Food for a Wholesome Meal Experience!

Imagine having dry, meat-flavoured cookies for dinner every day. While our pets may never have complained, it is only logical to think that having too much of the same thing ruins the joy a meal should bring.

FAQs 1.

Won’t feeding a Topper with normal food cause my pet to put on weight since he is eating more than his usual? Canino Toppers help provide a more satisfying meal for your dog, and encourages your dog to finish up the kibble. Canino Toppers is an all-natural topper made only with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It provides nutrients in the best form available, with high digestibility. If you have been feeding your pet a dry diet exclusively, we encourage you to transition your pet by decreasing the amount of kibble slowly. Canino Toppers should make up an approximate 10% of the entire meal.

If I’m feeding lamb and rice kibble, can I still mix it with Beef and Potato topper?

Canino Toppers is all about providing a healthy variety to nutrition. Containing only fresh, whole ingredients of the best quality, our products strive to turn each mealtime into an event worth looking forward to. With bite-sized morsels of human grade real meat and vegetables, Canino Toppers can be mixed into your dog’s kibbles for a different texture and taste whenever you think your furry best friend deserves a better meal. Believing that the best way to ensure our dogs gets the best nutrients is from consuming an assortment of proteins, Canino Toppers can be fed by rotating between the meat, poultry and fish varieties. This means your dogs receive everything they need for a pleasurable and healthy meal experience.

We think it’s really wonderful that you are able to be your dog’s veryown chef, but unfortunately, not every one can afford the time. What’s great about Canino Toppers is that we use the same natural and fresh ingredients, cooked perfectly, and served straight from the can. It is hassle-free, and can provide an extra source of protein on top of the original diet. It is convenient, economical, and adds variety to life!

There can never be too much of a good thing; treat your best friend to a hearty serving of prized Mackerel and Lobster. Turn that boring meal into a fancy occasion with DEEP SEA TREASURES, because every day should be a special day.

The connoisseurs love Canino’s freshly caught Tuna from the ocean, which is why they prefer eating it on its own. Simmered in simple gravy, BIG COAST TUNA is a wonderful addition to an everyday meal.

It’s difficult not to love a healthy and tasty meal of Tuna and Chicken, especially when they are freshly farmed and quaranteed of good quality. FISH AND FOWL is low-fat and nutritious perfect as a daily topper for your dog’s dry diet.

Give your dog something to howl about - a deeply satisfying TUNA AND BEEF JUMBO. The firmness of the choice cuts add extra bite to a simple dish. Mixed with kibble, this topper is a hot favorite.

should I switch to using a 3. Why topper instead of feeding an occasional canned food?

Unless your dog is allergic to a certain type of protein, Canino Toppers complement all dry diets. Providing your dog with different types of proteins in a single meal ensures that your dog receives nutrients in different forms, which is a good thing. Apart from being extremely convenient, Canino Toppers are created to give you and your dog more variety in life so each mealtime is worth looking forward to. I cook my dog’s meals myself at home, why should I still feed Canino Toppers?

Sometimes, a Shrimp cocktail just isn’t enough. Pile the succulent OCEAN ENSEMBLE on top of his usual dry food and watch your doggie smacks his lips with appreciation. Bon Appetite!

Most canned foods are designed to be complete meals, with added vitamins and minerals. In our efforts to keep nutrition simple and natural, you’ll find that “what you see is what you get” with Canino Toppers, which means there are no by-products or unnecessary vitamins. Our raw ingredients come in fresh every day, with no preliminary processing. That’s because we believe in feeding our pets the best, naturally.

Puppies have different nutrient needs from the adults; can I feed them Canino? Unlike complete meals, Canino Toppers act as a topping to make your dog’s meals more satisfying. Imagine the usual dry diet as a plain pizza and Canino Toppers as your ‘pepperoni’. A good quality kibble will properly nourish your puppy for its life stage, while Canino Toppers provides the fresh proteins that will make your dog a happy healthy one.

Perfect for staving off that meat craving, HOMESTYLE GOULASH is deliciously flavourful. Quality cuts of Beef combined with bite-sized Sweet Potatoes ensure your dog has a growlingly good time at dinner.

Ditch the “Chicken or Beef” dilemma and have them both! Pair the versatile Chicken chunks with the robust taste of gently cooked Beef for a delightful combo. ROOS AND MOOS always hits the spot.

For the delicate palate, this all-vegetable topper is light and chock-full of vitamins. With the colourful salad steamed and then simmered in gravy, GARDEN FIESTA can be used on its own or served with your dog’s usual dry or wet diet.

Nothing beats the wholesome taste of tender Chicken, accompanied with soft-stewed Carrots and a thick, delicious gravy. CHICKEN STEW POT PIE is like a doggie cuddle on a cold day - heartwarming and comforting.

$39.95 + free delivery incl gst | Box of 24 Servings For more detailed information call on 0800 101 729 level 3, 818 Colombo St, PO Box 1879, Christchurch. Fax 03 961 5112 - Email: info@canidae.co.nz - Web: www.canidae.co.nz 26 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Business Development | Laser Group

On the charge When Laser Electrical was established in 1983 by entrepreneurs Pete Bassett and David Clemmett, it had all the makings of a commercial business winner. As an electrical contractor, it may have been small to start with, but its potential knew no bounds and before long, Laser Group stretched its wings and took off. Today Laser Group is a plumbing and electrical franchising business serving residential, commercial and industrial sectors in Australasia. It has 101 franchises in New Zealand — 63 electrical and 38 plumbing concerns. The goal is to achieve 75 of each in New Zealand. In Australia, there are 98 franchises including 68 electrical, located primarily in Victoria. “The original owners who are still the owners now created a comprehensive suite of systems which are continually improved to grow the business,” says Scott Carr, general manager of Laser Group New Zealand. “They knew they could take the original business further and make a franchised company out of it.” Members of Laser Group who purchase their own franchise benefit from a compelling professional package which offers a superior brand and marketing, business systems and tools including exclusive software with full training and support, and access to powerful economics of scale. “The use of our own software right throughout each of the businesses helps them to be efficient and helps us to stay ahead of our competition. Our promise is to assist good trades people to become better business people so they can achieve their personal and business goals,” Carr says. “For the future our focus will definitely be on growth in Australia as our goal is to have 400 franchises in Australia. Who knows where Laser Group can go from there — we may enter different fields similar to electrical and plumbing or it could mean we go offshore and take the franchise to different countries.”

Pete Bassett and David Clemmett, the originators of Laser Electrical, which is now flourishing as plumbing and electrical franchises in Australia and New Zealand.

Laser Group PO Box 19005 Auckland 1746 T (09) 820 3800 F (09) 820 0367 E scott@lasergroup.co.nz www.lasergroup.co.nz

… for the future our focus … is to have 400 franchises in Australia.

— Advertising Feature

PARADOX SECURITY SYSTEMS are a proud supporter of LASER ELECTRICAL GROUP

The Laser Electrical Group has been proudly recommending and installing Paradox Security Systems since 1999.

Laser Electrical “Totally Dependable” Contact Laser Electrical for all your Paradox security requirements. Freephone 0800 438 527 www.laserelectrical.co.nz

Audio & Video

l Voice & Data l Home Theatre l IR Control l CCTV l Vacs l Intercoms l Advice

New Zealand Auckland 09 525 8007

l Wellington 04 939 9355 l Christchurch 03 374 6277 l misaac@hillsec.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 27

Solutions | Office Furniture Hire

Office furniture answers Turning 21 is a big moment in all our lives. It represents the transition from adolescence into adulthood and in business, the significance of this milestone is no less. In December 2010, Office Furniture Hire (1990) Ltd celebrated 21 years of business under the management of husband and wife duo Graham and Margaret Spooner. Buying a business is certainly a momentous occasion, but the Spooner’s investment in Office Furniture Hire (OFH) had even more meaning for the couple who were also celebrating another special event in their lives, their anniversary. Like a marriage, a business requires effort, consistency, negotiation and a good support network. These organisational techniques are second nature to the Spooners who have transformed a once failing business into a productive, efficient and successful enterprise.

Business image OFH knows your office is an important part of your business; it represents who you are, what you can offer and your professional image. Office Furniture Hire is the couple’s response to the business sector’s need for office furniture and equipment including partitions, whiteboards, data projectors and more. Based in Auckland, they have spent the last 21 years building the business up. “I originally had a trucking business and we did deliveries for the previous owner of the business,” Graham Spooner says.

HounsellAccountingLtd Congratulations Graham, Margaret and the team at Office Furniture Hire on their 20 years in business

Chartered Accountants

Don Hounsell CA(PP) BA BCom

1B/129 Onewa Road PO Box 34 859 Birkenhead Auckland Tel: 09 418 2729 Fax: 09 418 2769 a/h Tel: 09 418 3184 don@hounsell.co.nz

Hounsell Accounting would like to congratulate Office Furniture Hire on their 21st Anniversary.

www.mediaworks.co.nz 28 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Solutions | Office Furniture Hire

“Since we bought the business from the receivers on our wedding anniversary in 1989, we have continually upgraded the furniture we supply and poured money into buying new furniture,” Graham says. Supplying private and public companies, local and central government, event exhibitors, seminars, schools and production companies, Office Furniture Hire says no job is too big or too small.

“In the last year we have updated the face and image of our company which has really brought us into the 21st century.

Event furniture hire is a new extension of the business and there is a new range of soft seating options as well as visitor seating and staging.

“Our furniture is more contemporary and fresh and we have been getting very positive feedback about this. We provide modern furniture that fits in well with new offices being built around Auckland.”

Production props are also hired out as the company has an archive of eighties and nineties office furniture and accessories. Air conditioning units are also available for hire. Office Furniture Hire’s customers have the opportunity to hire from one day onwards and are afforded flexibility to change or update their office set-up as staff numbers dictate. The advantage of hiring instead of purchasing is that new businesses do not have to tie up expenditure and cash flow in material possessions and as the company evolves, it can change its look with a furniture revamp. Purchasing furniture means having to sell it when the time comes to revitalise office premises, whereas renting ensures flexibility. The furniture on offer through Office Furniture Hire is second to none and the company invests in furniture that is often manufactured to its own specifications and ergonomic designs. The business also puts emphasis on buying New Zealand made where possible. With a company motto “Service and quality at an affordable price”, Office Furniture Hire’s service is all about convenience and includes delivery, installation and in the case of specialist equipment, instructions for its use.

For the future, expansion is a primary objective. “We are always looking for new ways to grow our business without losing focus on our customers’ needs. We are continually looking at ways to improve all the time.” Office Furniture Hire is a company that will work around the clock to meet clients’ needs. The business has been known to drop everything and deliver 300 chairs with just an hour’s notice. “Service and customers are really important to us and we do our best to give customers what they want, when they want it,” Graham says. “Our staff are also very important to us because they work hard and are very loyal. We still keep in touch regularly with those who have moved on.”

Contemporary changes

Employing four staff across the two businesses (furniture hire and air conditioner rentals) which operate under one roof, Graham says, “We have all worked very hard as a team. Sometimes we have worked day and night to get orders out.

Office Furniture Hire works to be a unique supplier and has taken on diverse jobs including government fit-outs and donating furniture during New Zealand’s America’s Cup win. “We have started doing more corporate events and exhibitions lately,” Graham says. While he concedes the business felt the pinch during the recession he adds, “It is important to put systems in place that make business easier and it is also important to make sure you are having fun and enjoy yourself too.”

“We are very particular about the quality of our furniture and work hard to maintain it to very high standards. We also work hard to offer an excellence service which wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the whole team. We are also proud of the longstanding relationships we have with many of our suppliers.”

Office Furniture Hire sales and marketing manager Linaire Vipond says the company’s competitive advantage comes down to multiple factors. “Our business is different because of the length of time we have been in business, the quantity and quality of the furniture we provide and our friendly service.

Cooling, Heating & Drying Solutions

Office Furniture Hire PO Box 51246 Pakuranga 2140 E hireit@ofh.co.nz www.ofh.co.nz — Advertising Feature

T I TA N

furniture

Happy Birthday from Titan.

Proud suppliers of quality conferencing furniture

Short or Long Term Hire Computer Server Rooms | Exhibitions & Trade Shows Corporate Functions | Temporary Spot Cooling Dehumidifying | 24 Hour Emergency Breakdowns

p: 09 828 1079 m: 021 943 340

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Phone 09 579 8103 | Fax 09 579 8102 We deliver and install on-site

www.titanfurniture.co.nz We rent cool air! www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 29

Initiatives | Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects

A decade of design

From industrial parks to shopping malls, from commercial buildings and sleek interiors to residential developments — in the past decade Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects (WMZA) has done it all.

Mike Woodhams states that while the company has grown over the last 10 years, its key values have stayed the same. “Quite simply, we produce on time, on budget and to the highest possible standard.

“We achieve these results by running a practice driven by ideas and solutions. Our practice is made up of talented people who have the Mike Woodhams and Christopher Meikle began passion and the expertise to make sure all the practice in April 2001. Six months later design challenges are met and overcome. they were joined by their third partner, Feng It is our goal to deliver buildings and Zhan. Today, the company has 45 employees environments for our clients that work both with proven experience in retail, commercial, aesthetically and economically. Our work residential and industrial design, both in New is based on design excellence and the Zealand and overseas. achievement of value for money.”

WMZA provide professional consultancy services throughout all stages of design and can supply clients with a complete turn-key operation from initial bulk and location to final completion of the project.

30 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Woodhams says the philosophy at WMZA is that good buildings are the product of a driven design team who encourage communication with the client, contractors, consultants and the occupants.

Another important point of difference in today’s world is that WMZA is a multilingual, multicultural team with staff from more than 10 countries.

“We believe that people are the key to our success and by pooling intuitive minds from different cultures, we are able to create unique design solutions.”

WMZA have been involved in the master planning of large Industrial Park complexes, including the development of individual buildings together with large shopping centres, commercial premises and apartment block developments throughout NZ. Greenfield shopping malls and refurbishments range from 5000m² to several hectares of indoor space involving anchor stores, foodhalls and cinema complexes. Supermarkets and retail in general are their speciality, closely followed by industrial buildings comprising warehouses and manufacturing areas, along with attendant office facilities to cutting edge design. High-rise residential buildings in the Auckland region are also part of WMZA’s portfolio with apartment numbers ranging from 50 to 220 units in each development.

Initiatives | Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects WMZA at a glance  Founded 10 years ago by Mike Woodhams, Christopher Meikle and Feng Zhan  A multi-lingual, multicultural company  Carried out extensive projects here and overseas  Proven experience in retail, commercial, residential and industrial design  Runs a subsidiary interior design company  Forty-five staff members  Diverse client base

consultants and constructors we work with and want to emphasise how important their professionalism has been when working with us over the last decade. “We hope, as a practice, to continue these associations and be involved in the building community in New Zealand and overseas for a very long time to come.” Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects Level 5 48 Greys Avenue Auckland PO Box 9584 T (09) 377 5215 F (09) 377 5214 E design@wmzarchitects.co.nz — Advertising Feature

The portfolio also includes commercial office developments of varying sizes and complexities. To produce the documentation required to successfully complete the design procedures WMZA uses the latest computer and IT technology to manage and control the detailed programmes and procedures involved. Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects also works internationally, having just completed projects in Fiji, and several projects in India. It recently designed a complex of high-end villas and apartment buildings situated within an 18 hole golf resort on the outskirts of Lucknow City, including the master planning of a new 3500 acre township outside Lucknow City. “It’s almost a mini-city,” Woodhams says, “that will house extensive commercial and industrial precincts”. The WMZA team designed the apartment buildings in Lucknow so they display a strong character to promote their own sense of place and identity within the development. All apartments have extensive views over the golf course and the villas. Designed so that each lift

core services three apartments per floor, the buildings are accessed via spacious lobbies at ground level. The lobbies in turn form part of a ground level community fabric that includes a function hall, convenience shops, gyms and childcare facilities to serve the apartment owners. Carparking is mainly in basement levels below the apartment building footprints. In 2003, Woodhams Meikle Zhan Interior (WMZI) was formed as a subsidiary company, employing an expert team of spatial interior designers who specialise in retail, hospitality and office environments.

“The synergy between the two companies allows our clients to realise projects in an holistic manner.”

Woodhams explains: “If required, we can supply our clients with a complete turnkey operation — from initial bulk and location schematics to the final interior design package.” The talented team at WMZI is currently involved in evolutionary retail schemes, for a major global electronics brand, designing unique store layouts encouraging customers to explore the entire retail space. A neutral palette of materials enables the product to stand out on the interactive displays within a slick white envelope. Woodhams and partners are especially thankful to the other businesses they have been involved with over the last decade.

Proud to Provide Traffic Engineering Advice to Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects Phone:

09-836-3888

Facsimile: 09-836-3880 E-Mail:

info@teamtraffic.co.nz

Postal:

P.O Box 21-803 Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand. Website: www.teamtraffic.co.nz

“Chris, Feng and I would like to thank all the corporate companies, developers,

Quantity Surveying & Cost Control Client Representation Added Value Services We bring a wealth of experience to every project we undertake • Retail • Commercial • Residential • Education • Distribution • Hospitality • Retirement Project Economics Limited PO Box 37206, Parnell Auckland 1151

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Woodhams Meikle Zhan Architects

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Level 1, 171 Parnell Road, Parnell Auckland 1052 Phone 09 309 5200 Fax 09 309 5201 Email pel@projecteconomics.co.nz www.projecteconomics.co.nz MEMBERS OF NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE OF QUANTITY SURVEYORS & ROYAL INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 31

Initiatives | Fumacare

Keeping clean and green

Fumacare marketing manager Sara Zygis and owner Trish Butler

Have you ever been to an office and been impressed by the design, the vibrancy and cleanliness of it, only to visit the bathroom and get a shock? Dirty, smelly, worn washrooms are offputting and should be a thing of the past. And they can be, just by picking up the phone and calling Fumacare. Started 25 years ago, owners Trish and Ray Butler head the New Zealand owned and operated Fumacare team, committed to providing cutting-edge hygiene solutions for New Zealand businesses. But their company philosophy isn’t just to generate new business. They and the rest of the Fumacare team possess a natural drive to make a difference and see sustainability and social responsibility as an integral part of the company.

Quality solutions More and more people are appreciating bathrooms that provide a higher standard of hygiene and aesthetic value. And finding the highest quality, attractively designed products is easy, thanks to Fumacare. “As washroom and hygiene specialists, we continue to bring together the very best knowledge and technology from New Zealand

32 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

and around the world, providing a new benchmark for hygiene services,” marketing manager Sara Zygis says.

we are already exporting it to Australia, the UK and Ireland, South Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Japan and India. We’re also finalising negotiations into the Americas too.”

This commitment sees them attending industry It’s another great example of Kiwi innovation trade shows all over the world in a bid to find and ingenuity taking the world by storm and the very best products. When the company successfully attracting export dollars. can’t find what it wants, it stops at nothing to bring to the market the appropriate product. The SaniPod sanitary disposal system is a classic example of the company’s dedication and innovation. Ray and Trish Butler, owners of Fumacare, were so dissatisfied with the traditional sanitary waste disposal systems, Trish set about producing something more efficient, hygienic and contemporary in design. The resulting SaniPod is now the company’s signature product, its largest earner and has won numerous awards.

Export success As part of its sustainable procurement programme, Fumacare seeks world-class sustainable products from around New Zealand and overseas, but has never found a better sanitary disposal unit than the SaniPod owner Trish Butler designed. That’s why they started to market it internationally. “We were getting great responses from our clients so we decided to see if it was viable internationally by taking it to the world’s largest industry trade show in Amsterdam in 2006,” Zygis says. “It has been incredibly successful. It is recognised as the best product of its type on the world market with the industry very impressed about how innovative it is. SaniPod is being manufactured both here in West Auckland and in Malaysia. In just five years,

New elite range

Fumacare is excited about its new elite range of washroom dispensers, available in three stylish colours — onyx black, pure white and platinum silver. “We identified a gap in the market for a complete suite of washroom dispensers available in a range of finishes to match and enhance our clients’ washrooms,” Zygis explains. “We’ve also adapted a design consultancy approach to offer our clients customised specific looks to further raise the bar in washroom design. We’re passionate about creating ambience and a unique appearance for our clients’ washrooms.” Black has been a particularly popular trend for washrooms in Europe which Fumacare identified and has introduced into the New Zealand market. Zygis believes this is because people are increasingly seeing the bathroom as a stylish part of a building, just like a kitchen or an office. “There’s recognition that bathrooms aren’t just a standard facility, they can look stylish and when they do they elevate the standard of a building.”

Staff and service Studies have shown good customer service is just as important as product for bringing customers in and back for more. The Fumacare team knows it pays to go the extra mile.

Initiatives | Fumacare

“Our people are one of our greatest strengths, delivering our services with discretion and professionalism.” Sara Zygis, Fumacare marketing manager

Part of this exceptional level of service includes regular internal audits on the customer’s premises to make sure everything is progressing as planned. In excess of 25 years experience has enabled Fumacare to develop the essential strengths both in people and processes necessary to meet and exceed the customer’s needs and expectations. “Our people are one of our greatest strengths, delivering our services with discretion and professionalism,” Zygis says.

The head office in Henderson serves the greater Auckland area, accompanied by a Waikato/Bay of Plenty branch. With an intended move into Wellington this year, the national service network offers complete nationwide coverage. A further eight service network business partnerships are fully trained under the Fumacare model and ensure national exposure is achieved. In addition to supply and service of bathroom and general hygiene products, the company provides total workplace solutions through sales of business consumables, tropical plant hire and IT cleaning services.

Sustainability Fumacare’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is to the fore in everything. It is not enough to just offer environmentally responsible products and services. Take Fumacare’s cars. The fleet of Volkswagen commercial vehicles; it has significantly reduced CO2 emissions and delivered superior fuel efficiencies. Or look at its in-house Green Office policy, which reduces waste creation and defines purchasing protocols.

“As a born and bred New Zealand company, we never forget our heritage and are firm believers in being a good corporate citizen to a number of charitable organisations and our local community,” Zygis says. Fumacare is the only hygiene company in New Zealand to achieve EnviroMark diamond accreditation, the highest level of certification a business can achieve and few have achieved it. Fumacare has been working on this accreditation for years. Feature continues on next page >>

The company’s family atmosphere contributes to the dedication and loyalty of the team. Many staff members have been on board from “Our innovative and responsible attitude will benefit our clients and reflect well on the early years with a fair proportion having celebrated at least a decade with the company. their reputation.”

Proudly Insuring Fumacare

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With ACM Ahlers you receive: • An accurate assessment of the risks you face • The right advice and solutions to protect yourself • A tailored insurance programme that meets your needs • A hassle free claims process Contact us: 1 Huron Street Takapuna North Shore City 0740 P 64 9 486 0852 E Takapuna@acmahlers.co.nz www.acmahlers.co.nz

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Main Street, Westgate Shopping Centre Westgate, Waitakere PO Box 84 203, Westgate Waitakere 0657 P 09 831 0033 F 09 833 1880 Level 2, General Building 29 Shortland Street, Auckland PO Box 1295, Shortland Street Auckland T 09 377 7093 F 09 377 8380

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 33

Initiatives | Fumacare “There’s a lot of green wash out there in the market, but this certification proves we do walk the talk. Caring for the environment and growing our business responsibly permeates everything we do,” she says.

Products SaniPod™ sanitary disposal system Sanitary disposal is a topic nobody wants to talk about. Over the years, women have been forced to cope with substandard facilities for an issue that requires discretion and cleanliness — there’s nothing more distasteful for women than being forced to use a dirty and smelly unit, which still seem to be commonplace.

— the disposal of sanitary waste in a sophisticated and discreet manner.

The SaniPod puts an end to that. It’s one of the most advanced, effective and visually appealing sanitary disposal systems on the market. It is unique to Fumacare, who manufactures and distributes it in New Zealand – and is now exported around the world.

SaniPod autos touch-free action takes away the need to open the top of a dispenser. It guarantees activation first time, every time and only when required, and it is quiet in its operation, ensuring total discretion. It creates a first-class experience for women by minimising the risk of cross contamination.

Industry-leading reliability, user-friendly functionality and award-winning design create a new standard in both performance and aesthetics. Available in auto and manual models, it is a state of the art answer to a sensitive issue women have faced for many years

The compact wall mount design allows greater utilisation of floor space and ease of cleaning under and around the unit. Its slim line profile enables it to be utilised in the increasingly smaller cubicles in modern toilets.

The manual model provides a unique and exclusive option when touch-free technology is not required. It offers a stylish innovative alternative, with easy to use ‘finger tip’ control with the lifting ring positioned purposefully away from

the opening where waste is deposited. This minimises contact for the user and reduces the negative perceptions that women associate with existing manually operated sanitary units. SaniPod is an elegant solution women choose to use. www.sanipod.co.nz

SaniPod™ wrap With SaniPod wrap, Fumacare can customise a SaniPod to match a client’s washroom décor. SaniPod wrap is available in selected designs and can be tailored to any colour or design — even to include company logos. “We’re always looking for ways to go that step further — and SaniPod wrap really breaks the mould in washroom design innovation. This is ideal to achieve a unique look for washrooms and offering superb advertising potential!”

“Our third-party accreditation is confirmation of our commitment to continually improve our environmental management system and the way we do business. “But even though we are the industry leader in this area, we are constantly seeking to innovate with environmentally responsible products and adopting sustainable solutions. We work closely with Sustainability Consultant Tony Walton of Safetycare New Zealand Limited to ensure we keep ahead of developments and make continuous improvement. “Our membership to the Sustainable Business Network also allows us the ability network, share ideas and to form new alliances with other companies with the same ethos.” Fumacare holds the quality management and service systems certification ISO 9001:2008 and has occupational health and safety management systems certified by ACC to tertiary level. This is the highest standard possible and is proudly in display as further evidence of the company’s commitment to total care.

Continental Car Services Commercial Division are very proud to be associated with Fumacare and we wish them all the best for the future With load capacities ranging from 3.2m3 to 17m3 you won’t struggle to pack your deliveries into a ill-fitting commercial van. Volkswagen’s TDI turbo diesel technology across the range, and class leading service intervals of up to 40,000kms, means they’re economical too. Add uncompromised occupant safety with driver’s airbag, ABS braking and traction control, a price tag starting from just $32,500.00 (Caddy 1.6L Petrol model) and your business will certainly look just right. Talk to our Volkswagen Commercial Specialist, Bradley Carrick (021 111 3191), today to arrange your test drive.

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Initiatives | Fumacare

Initiatives | Security Window Solutions

Wicked windows Environmental and Health and Safety accreditations

As one of New Zealand’s oldest prisons, Mt Eden’s Victorian stone facade, with its high towers and thick stone perimeter wall, is one of Auckland’s most well known landmarks.

 Quality Management and service systems certified to ISO 9001:2008  Occupational Health and Safety Management systems certified by ACC to tertiary level Workplace Safety Management Practices  The company’s Environmental Management System is certified to Enviro-Mark Diamond level.

In 1862 a select committee identified the Mt Eden stockade site for the prison. Built under a tight budget using mainly prisoner labour, the prison accepted its first prisoners in 1888.

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At more than 120 years of age, the listed heritage buildings of the prison required substantial renovations, a commitment the Auckland City Council made in 2008. Preserving and continuing to use the original buildings was a key feature in the planning of the new prison. Situated within the existing Mt Eden Prison site, the new prison will not only provide facilities that meet modern standards, but will also include some future-proofing for up to 570 more prisoners to be accommodated on the site if required in the future. Much like the history of Mt Eden Prison, steel has a long and illustrious association with our little corner of the globe, from the first discovery of ironsands on our coast. But with the introduction of cheaper materials, as a product, its popularity waned, Security Window Solutions project manager Graeme Knowles says. “Steel joinery was once very common. Then with the introduction of aluminium and timber joinery, steel is really only required for fire rating or security purposes.” But along with the commitment of a new prison, came the need for steel joinery — an amount three times larger than any other steel contract the country had ever seen. Fact is, no steel company in New Zealand could meet the steel joinery demands of the project. Born from the merger of two key steel joinery companies, Security Window Solutions was established in 2008 to meet this very need.

has put before us for this project,” Knowles says. “Building prisons is very complex and demanding and we have certainly risen to the challenge.” The project included Australasia’s first steel framed glazed curtain wall. While still under construction, the wall was elected to achieve the required security level needed for the building, as well as providing an aesthetically pleasing facade to the visting room of the prison. The company has since supplied products to New Zealand embassies overseas. “Long term we aim to be of service for other security projects as they arise.” Security Window Solutions PO Box 272 1475 Papakura Auckland T (09) 296 5520 E darren@crittall.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Manufacturers and installers of specialised security glass. Proud supporters of Security Window Solutions Visit our website for more information on security glass www.viridianglass.com

“Security Window Solutions grew from nothing to meet the challenges Fletchers

We’ve been supporting Fumacare since 1994 and supporting New Zealand innovators since 1896

WestpaRk InstallatIons lImIted Specialist Steel Joinery Installers Available to install new joinery and repair or alter existing joinery We have installed over 2000 joinery units in the new Mt Eden prison development and successfully completed projects all over New Zealand

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Contact Roger on mobile 021-1188992 email westparkinstaller@xtra.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 35

Initiatives | Bathroom Direct

Brilliant bathrooms

Ever since the conept of interior design and decoration, people have sought living environments which are as aesthetically pleasing as they are practical. While our bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in the home, it is one of the most important. Bathroom Direct has long upheld the tradition of creating bathrooms which are a hybrid of practical living solutions and the hopes and dreams of those who are being built for. Bathroom Direct is the service and sales division of Henry Brooks and Co Ltd, a long established and highly regarded business with its early beginnings in England in 1853. Henry Brooks and Co grew and diversified, eventually finding its place as a manufacturer of aluminium joinery, for both domestic and commercial windows in New Zealand.

The company further diversified into shower screen manufacturing in the late 1960s, growing to be the largest domestic manufacturer in New Zealand. Further diversification into powder-coating services, plastic sheet extrusion and acrylic vacuum forming services saw the company rapidly expand and establish itself as a major player in the bathroom industry. But being able to supply what customers wanted was only half the story. Recognising the strong customer demand for quality coordinated renovation services, the company formed Bathroom Direct in 2000, to offer installation services for a full range of bathroom products. General manager Brent Coutts says the company set about recruiting a top team of skilled, experienced customer consultants, designers, trades people and trusted subcontractors and expanded into the provision of bathroom design, creation and

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Congratulations to Bathroom Direct. It’s a great franchise… • The concept is now tested and can be seen working well because we created solid business plans and made them workable

• We wrote simple but comprehensive operating manuals and made all the agreements, documents and marketing plans in plain English

• Franchisees and franchisor can have confidence in one another, have fun and make money because we built a support system second to none

It’s been a pleasure working with the staff and existing professional advisors to Bathroom Direct, during the construction, testing and establishment of this franchise. Knowledge Brokers Ltd — Call 09 267 5237 or mobile 027 22 99 752 www.knowledgebrokers.co.nz First meeting is always free, so call to discuss your options without fee or obligation.

Knowledge Brokers Ltd — a specialist organisational growth and performance consultancy 36 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

renovation services. “We have the knowhow, experience, skills, products and quality commitment to make any bathroom dream come true,” he says.

plumbing and fittings installed correctly and in full compliance with relevant building codes and regulations. Full product and work-manship guarantees are, of course, provided.

Industry leading design consultants, many from the building trades themselves, keep up to date with new international design trends and bathroom products. They will listen carefully to your thoughts and concerns, before translating ideas into a plan that will satisfy client needs and meet budget.

“We assign a dedicated project manager to control all aspects of the renovation process, from security through to co-ordination of tradespersons, work scheduling, inspection and oversight, to job signoff, cleaning and rubbish removal,” Coutts says.

“You can be assured that the work will proceed “We work very hard to create a family smoothly, efficiently and on schedule, with atmosphere within our business model, and minimal disruption or inconvenience for you carefully choose and train our consultants to be and your family.” highly professional and friendly,” Coutts says. Bathroom Direct offers clients that peace of “There are no prima donnas in our business. mind. On-staff tradespeople are fully qualified Everyone works as a team to deliver a fantastic and industry trained and when required, experience to our customers.” will subcontract specialised work to proven, reputable plumbers, electricians, plasterers, Customers can count on their new bathroom painters and tillers, or other specialist trades, being solid, geometrically true and properly all for a fixed and quoted price. water-sealed from the floor up, with all units,

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Initiatives | Bathroom Direct Franchise offering With both the demand and the success of the bathroom renovation business well proven, Bathroom Direct set about replicating its brand and systems. “Running a successful business is one thing,” Coutts says. “But duplicating the processes, systems and company culture is quite another. From an early stage, we recognised the fact that we needed to consult with professions in the franchising field to successfully grow our business even further.” First up was a feasibility study, to see if what the company had achieved so far could be replicated into a franchise system. “I did lots of reading and research, and recognised that I needed the skills of a franchise specialist to help develop the systems and procedures,” Coutts says. “After investigating several consultancy companies, I met Doug Scott of Knowledge Brokers Ltd by chance and instantly recognised that he had a wealth of experience and business acumen that I needed to further develop my ideas. “Doug helped me evaluate and them systemise my entire business model to a stage where I could sell the concept as a franchise business model. The ability to grow our business in this way is very exciting,” he says. The company’s legal documents have been prepared by Richard Perry of Johnston Lawrence Solicitors, based in Wellington. Perry prepared a draft document which was spot on and required very little ‘tweeking’ before a finished Franchise Agreement was supplied. “Set up costs are always a concern, but what I learnt in this exercise, is that if you get professional specialist advice from trusted companies, then actually the results are well worth the investment. “We also have a relationship with Franchise Accountants, who I have found to be a blast of fresh air in an otherwise conservative

profession. Phillip Morrison is well recognised and respected within franchise circles, and has been invaluable in advising me along the way,” he adds. Bathroom Direct is now seeking franchises to further grow the Bathroom Direct brand throughout New Zealand. Three companyowned stores are already established in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and to prove the business model, the company has established three pilot franchise operations in smaller provincial areas. The latest full franchise store opened in Hamilton in November 2010, a further new store in Mt Roskill will open in March this year, and another store in the Hutt Valley, Wellington, is due to open later this year. Being a Bathroom Direct franchisee involves more than just selling bathroom products like showers, vanities, baths and bathroom accessories. “Each franchise will offer its customers a total bathroom renovation and installation service from a dedicated bathroom renovation showroom,” Coutts explains.

Greenfield opportunities with Bathroom Direct are available now in strategic centres around the country, with investment levels starting from $150-$250,000. Who should apply? “You should see yourself as a person who is business minded, highly self motivated and who has a passion for sales,” he says.

“As a franchisee you will have a protected geographical area and will service sales enquiries, design and plan bathrooms, and effectively manage a team of trades people and specialists, including designers, installers, carpenters, tilers, plumbers, painters etc. You’ll have the advantage of preferential product margins on quality branded product lines imported or manufactured by the parent company. And you’ll tap into a store of knowledge and expertise, product and systems training and the financial benefits that come from belonging to a franchise system.”

“You will enjoy meeting new people, solving problems and have an interest in home renovation. You’ll also have a keen eye for detail and perhaps a flair for design.

While the company might have traditional values, it has also invested in up to the minute web based systems such as an online quote system, a drawing programme, project management, stock control and sales reporting software, “at a level not generally attainable by the small business owner,” he adds.

Henry Brooks and Co has been in business for a long time, he says. “Business ethics and customer satisfaction are very important to us. We take the same approach in Bathroom Direct and continually look at ways of improving our products and services to give maximum value to all our customers, staff and franchisees.”

“We provide full training in all aspects of the business, so it is more important for you to be a good business manager and have the right personality than to know everything about bathrooms and building renovations. If this sounds interesting and you would like to be self employed with the support of an experienced company behind you, give us a call.”

Bathroom Direct is a member of the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association, a non-profit organisation for education and raising kitchen and bathroom quality and design standards. “Since its creation, Bathroom Direct has fitted or renovated over 1200 bathrooms and we are constantly looking for ways to make our service — and the business — even better.” Bathroom Direct has a strong brand, good systems, quality products and excellent promotional material, all being developed in partnership with our marketing company, AMPM. “Just take a look at the new website to appreciate the professionalism that AMPM bring to our marketing programme. “Together with all our business supply partners and new franchisees, we look forward to growing a leading brand in the home renovation market; a market which is recession proof and growing all the time.” Bathroom Direct PO Box 58031 Botany, Auckland T (09) 913 3110 E brent@bathroomdirect.co.nz www.bathroomdirect.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

& CO LIMITED FIRST ESTABLISHED 1853

MANUFACTURERS & IMPORT AGENTS

Proudly supplying imported and manufactured goods to Bathroom Direct. We also supply products throughout the country to Bunnings and other building/plumbing companies. 5 Smales Road, East Tamaki | PO Box 58-031, Botany New Zealand T. 09 913 3110 | F. 09 913 3113 | sales@henrybrooks.co.nz

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 37

Initiatives | TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre

Pah Homestead — home of the arts

Art and our appreciation of it has accompanied man since the dawn of time; from paintings adorning cave walls through to contemporary masterpieces. And, while our methods have evolved, the arts have remained a vehicle for the expression of our innermost creative being.

Historic Building Conservation is proud to have restored all of the traditional and ornate fibrous plasterwork to the highest conservation standards at the Pah Homestead.

Everywhere artworks are on display (from the top) in the ballroom, recent acquisitions room and stairwell at Pah Homestead.

The vision of the James Wallace Arts Trust in the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre is to simultaneously support, promote and expose New Zealand contemporary artists while providing the wider public with an inimitable cultural and historical resource of contemporary New Zealand art for free. Therefore, the arts centre hosts a changing programme of free exhibitions curated from the Collection, as well as regional touring exhibitions. The arts centre runs ongoing community education programmes targeting Auckland schools and the wider public.

www.buildingconservation.co.nz

The TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre opened with a survey of the Collection followed by the 19th Annual Wallace Art Awards, the most prestigious art awards in the country.

Auckland’s commitment to the arts has been cemented with the opening of the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, opened to the public in August 2010 with more than 80,000 visitors to date. The venue is the Italianate-style Pah Homestead at Hillsborough’s Monte Cecilia Park, which has been restored by the Auckland City Council and fitted out as a gallery. The location is as impressive as the Collection, which resulted from James Wallace’s love of the arts since he purchased his first Toss Woollaston watercolour in the mid-1960s.

An artist in residency programme, run in association with Otago University, is an

The Jade String Quartet also commenced the first of a series of performances at the Pah Homestead, while Angela Franklyn presented a summer evening of jazz on the lawn entitled ‘The Great American Songbook Meets The Great Kiwi Summer’.

Artist Sam Mitchell was awarded the Wallace Arts Trust Paramount Award Winner with her artwork ‘Janus’ winning her a six-month residency at the International Studio and Curatorial Programme in New York. The arts centre has also presented a survey of art from the landscape and self-portrait traditions, while currently on show is a selection of nonrepresentational art from the Collection. important component. The resident is a writer or composer to complement the visual arts focus of the centre. This partnership also provides for exhibitions curated from the extensive collections of the Hocken Library. The TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre hosted a range of free and ticketed events in March, celebrating creativity, with a special interest in promoting and exposing a wide range of art practices. Highlights included the Auckland Arts Festival’s ‘White Night’ event where artist Tanya Ruka used the Pah Homestead as a canvas on which to project her artwork ‘Tawhirimatea — God of the Wind’. Current artist in residence, author Catherine Chidgey, was joined by authors Kelly Ana Morey and Tracey Slaughter to read from their books and discuss one another’s work.

In April the centre will host an exhibition by Mary McIntyre, one of New Zealand’s foremost realist figurative painters; while in June, Scott Eady’s witty large-scale sculptural works will dominate the main galleries. For more information on upcoming exhibitions please visit www.tsbbankwallaceartscentre.org.nz There are also galleries dedicated solely to photography, AV artworks and recent acquisitions which continuously rotate, meaning visitors can expect to see new artworks every time they visit.

Awards It’s certainly been a successful strategy. Last year Matthews & Matthews Architects Ltd, the project architect involved in the homestead conservation and adaptation, received an NZIA Auckland Architecture Award for Heritage. TSB Bank CEO Kevin Murphy accepted an award for the Bank’s support of the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre.

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Initiatives | TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre In the same year, James Wallace was named New Zealander of the Year for Arts by the New Zealand Herald. He was made ‘Decade Partner’ of AUT in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the University in its first decade.

The Pah Homestead

Furthermore James Wallace and the Wallace Arts Trust were honoured to win a premier award from the National Business Review for ‘Sponsorship of the Arts Awards’.

Due to its historical significance, Mayor John Banks and the previous Auckland City Council committed to its extensive refurbishment after a unanimous vote in favour of the project.

James Wallace

With the generous support of TSB Bank and the James Wallace Arts Trust, the public is now able to access the Trust’s extensive collection within the setting of the beautifully renovated Homestead. Located in a park-like setting with some of the finest exotic trees in Auckland and magnificent views to Manukau Harbour, the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre hosts a changing programme of free exhibitions curated from the Trust’s collection, as well as touring shows, public education programmes, an artist in residency programme and the PAH café.

James Wallace began collecting art in the mid 1960s, with a particular interest in emerging New Zealand artists. In 1992 he transferred his Collection to the newly formed charitable trust. He proceeded to fund the trust so it could continue to add to the Collection and support the arts in New Zealand. Nothing in the Collection is ever sold. With more than 5000 works, the Collection remains in its entirety as a cultural resource for present and future generations. It is therefore the strongest collection of senior artists, and many emerging and mid-career artists. In fact, the trust has initiated more than 80 commissions, ranging from Pat Hanly stained glass windows to Terry Stringer sculptures and works by a number of New Zealand composers.

Property and Construction | Albany Timber Distributors

Built between 1877 and 1879 as Auckland businessman James Williamson’s “gentleman’s residence,” the Pah Homestead was considered one of the finest homes of the time.

“The new TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre is an exciting addition to Auckland’s celebrated arts reputation and we’re proud to be a part of it. We receive exceptional support from the people of Auckland and our sponsorship is one we’re able to say ‘thank you’ for that support,” TSB Bank CEO Kevin Murphy says.

Timber time Timber has been used as a building material for centuries and for good reason. It’s sturdy and stable and easily moulded to shape and size.

required green products and we were able to offer FSC certification for all their wood products. We were also competitive on pricing.”

This is of course nothing new to Terry Robinson, general manager of Albany Timber Distributors, as he points out other advantages; “Our timber is a locally grown renewable resource, so it’s green and it’s cost-efficient”.

Albany Timber Distributors Bush Road Albany Auckland PO Box 300057 T (09) 415 6889 F (09) 415 6661 E sales@albanytimber.co.nz

The company, owned by Ross Tebbs, began 18 years ago and has tripled in size since then. At its Bush Road site, 65 employees work as estimators, detailers, in administration, as drivers, sales representatives and retail and yard staff.

Artworks on display at the Pah Homestead upstairs foyer.

In recent years, greater public access has been given to the Collection by making bodies of works available on a permanent revolving loan basis to some 31 institutions ranging from schools, universities and science research establishments to the Middlemore Hospital Children’s Ward and Spinal Unit. The opening of the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre marks the first permanent home for this stunning Collection, where it can be enjoyed by the wider public for free.

— Advertising Feature

While timber is its key focus, the company also supplies every other building material needed, including frames and trusses pre-made on site. One key point of difference is that Albany Timber has its own modern fleet of trucks and four of them have rear mounted hiabs.

Albany Timber supplies both the commercial The main carpark is at 72 Hillsborough Road and residential sector, working on projects with pedestrian entrances and street parking from a 100 unit multi-housing development to on Mt Albert Road, Herd Road and Korma Road. a single residential garage. The company will TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre work anywhere in the greater Auckland region Pah Homestead and in the past has worked as far south as 72 Hillsborough Road Taupo and as far north as Kaitia. Hillsborough, Auckland Recently, Albany Timber was the supplier to T (09) 639 2010 the new five star green rated complex on E enquiries@wallaceartstrust.org.nz Victoria Street, which Telecom has rented for www.wallaceartstrust.org.nz the next 12 years. These four buildings are — Advertising Feature spread over 30,000 square metres in a campus style, with walkways and a common area between them.

M at t he w s & M at t he w s A r c hi t e c t s Lt d

“This was the biggest project in Auckland at the time,” Robinson says. “The developers

CONSERVATION • HERITAGE • CONTEMPORARY

Architects for the TSB Wallace Arts Centre at The Pah

www.mmarchitects.co.nz Tel: 09 379 2282 Fax: 09 379 2251 P.O. Box 108 166, Symonds St, Auckland

Pryda are proud to supply Albany Timber Distributors with their timber connections solutions For further information contact Pryda on 0800 88 22 44 or visit www.pryda.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 39

Property and Construction | DW Homes

A new take on home building Your house is your castle. It’s the place you raise your children, hang your family photographs and make your best memories. But now the happy times arent just consigned to when the house is up and running; designing and building your new home can be part of the fun. Gone are the times when it was difficult and complicated. This is made possible by DW Homes’ revolutionary approach to designing and building your home.

Testimonial

We brought one of DW Homes spec homes, after many months of looking for a house and land package that suited our needs. After watching the building progress, we are thrilled with our spacious and warm new home, and very impressed with the workmanship. Extremely satisfied, and a highly recommended building option. Thanks to the DW Homes team. Bev Ellis and Roger Winter

And it’s an approach that’s working. Started in 2004, the company has gone from strength to strength in the last seven years. For example, in 2010 it grew 60 percent from 2009. DW Homes specialises in medium to large houses, all designed to clients’ needs, usually costing $300,000 to $400,000 to build.

Face to face General manager Merv Giam says what stands DW Homes apart from its competitors is they way it listens and advises its customers.

“A client will sit with our architectural designer and be taken through the entire build process. We found out what they want from house from sitting down and really talking to the client. We don’t show pre-made plans. We don’t ask how much they want to spend and go from there.” DW Homes’ clients always meet face to face, not through a third party or on the phone. The architectural designer finds out what the client needs by talking about the client’s life. “If a family with two kids say they want a three bedroom house, we ask if they often have parties where friends and relatives stay the night, or if Grandma and Grandpa often come to stay. Then what we might say is, ‘maybe you need a guest room’. We ask about pets — that may mean a need for the section to be fully fenced. We ask what’s the first thing you do after work, where do you put handbag and jacket? Should we put in a closet near the garage?” By having these conversations, the client and DW Homes can talk more about what sort of home will suit the client. Often, they raise issues clients have not thought about.

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Property and Construction | DW Homes case study

Michael Johnson — NZ Para-Olympian Mike, a sharp-shooting New Zealand medal-winning Para-Olympian, is the coowner of a DW Homes residence. The design had to address Mike’s care needs and accommodate his wheelchair. It also had to meet Mike’s strong desire for his home to not have an aesthetic which overstated its functionality.

Testimonial

“If they have children we ask about them. Do they do a lot of activities or are they at home most afternoons? If they are at home, maybe they need a playroom or a rumpus area? But if not, maybe they don’t. It’s much more conversational than other companies who just ask how much you want to spend.” DW Homes offers a five percent deposit on home loan on house and land packages. “This is quite useful for people in this financial climate,” Giam says. “And no one pays the mortgage while their house is being constructed. We also offer a 24 month or 12 month maintenance-free policy. This means we’ll do any touch-ups for the first two years. Most companies only give you 30-90 days to claim it.”

Education In recent years, DW Homes has branched out into working for the educational sector. It has built a library for a primary school and built a kindergarten from scratch. “That was a fun, challenging project,” Giam says. “We had to make sure it was very safe, with high door handle heights out of reach from little hands so the children couldn’t wander into the kitchen, bathroom, laundry or outside unsupervised.” Giam says DW Homes did the educational projects for a challenge and because they thought it was a good way to get to know the community. DW Homes is a member of the Master Builder’s Association and has done well in its annual award ceremonies. Each year, to recognise excellent building work, all entries judged to be at least 50 percent

Our experience with your company in the designing and building of our new library and utility block has been professional, well managed and carried out within budget and expressed time frames. Your staff, while always mindful of commercial obligations, have been supportive and extremely easy to deal with. Pukeoware School Board of Trustee Once we had our section we tried to fit standard house plans on and whatever way we turned them it did not make good use of the land. We decided that we would need to have a house designed specifically for our sloping site. From the moment Nick Grogan from DW Homes stepped on our section we knew that we had the potential for a great home. We discussed what would work best, and from a combination of our ideas and his ideas we came up with a home that was perfect for the site. Now we are in our new home, love how it all turned out and would recommend DW Homes. Bryan & Melanie

The bathrooms, although accessible and designed for his preferred method and side of transfer to the bath, his shower chair or WC are really just large luxurious looking spaces. The vanities, designed specifically around Mike’s knee heights and reach, are also very contemporary looking. The kitchen was similarly conceived, with a pull-out hob beneath the bench allowing Mike to cook at a safer and more controllable level while not dramatically altering the kitchen aesthetic, nor its functionality for his partner Michelle. Of course being a medal winner is about practise and Mike’s event is the 10m shoot, so DW Homes positioned the study and access to it in such a way that he has an uninterrupted indoor space to practise hitting an impossibly small target. Over all it’s both a beautiful and truly usable home, from the near level thresholds at each door to the latch heights on the windows. Every aspect has been carefully balanced to make life as easy as possible for both Mike and Michelle. Maintenance guarantee Steel framed structures — 24 months Timber framed structures — 12 months

above industry standard are awarded a Quality Mark (either a bronze, silver or gold award depending on the number of points awarded). Bronze awards are awarded to builders whose entries are judged to be at least 50 percent higher than industry standard and achieve 75+ of the points available. Silver awards are awarded to builders whose entries are judged at least 65 percent higher than industry standard and achieve 82.5+ of the points available. In 2010, DW Homes entered three homes and won five awards for them. Two were bronze and two were silver awards. The fifth was a local category award for the New Homes under $250,000 section. This most expensive project to date is a $1.2 million sustainable home, so fully self-sufficient that it has its own water power, meaning it is off the grid, and can sustain itself if the power goes out from a thunderstorm or other emergency. With green features such as low wattage lightbulbs,

natural heating, solar panels and wind turbines, it is also energy efficient.

Future goals DW Homes has enjoyed great business success in the last seven years, but it isn’t getting complacent. Giam says the company’s goals are to expand further into the regions. It currently builds houses throughout the North Island, from Taupo to Kerikeri. The flagship showhome, in Waiuku, is open all year. New ones will be opening in Hamilton

in August and two more — one in the far north and one towards the Coramandel — later on in 2011. DW Homes 11a Bowen Street P O Box 48 Waiuku T (09) 236 5150 F (09) 236 5154 E enquiry@dwhomes.co.nz www.dwhomes.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Congratulations to DW Homes on its continuing growth. Proud to be the provider of all legal services to DW Homes since its inception. See us for all property, commercial and related legal services An experienced team with local knowledge.

6 Queen Street, Waiuku 2123 PO Box 207, Waiuku 2341 DXEP77501 Phone: (09) 235 6418 Fax: (09) 235 6419

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 41

Property and Construction | Rudnev Door Systems

Rudnev doors for any location — The Kelley Dock leveller and Kelley Dock shelter door, a four-hour fire rated door, Ace Flex PVC strips and a Neregco fast acting door

When you need more than just a door Teaming up with a long standing New Zealand company who are agents for a premium international brand of fast acting doors has allowed Rudnev Door Systems to offer an even broader range of products to its customers. For 15 years, the team at Rudnev Door Systems has built an enviable reputation as a reliable door supplier to the commercial industry.

The Duradoor, made to withstand punishment

Back in 1991, it started off selling coolroom doors only, but over the years has updated its range and introduced new product lines. It can now offer a large range of the commercial doors required by the market. Rudnev Door Systems sells nationwide from its bases in Auckland and Christchurch.

Exciting opportunity

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Rudnev Door Systems has now joined together with Ace Door Systems who has 30 years of experience and expertise in the commercial door market. Rudnev Door Systems went as far as Europe and America to compare all the different models on the market, attending trade fairs and making enquiries. The end result of this research led Rudnev back to the outstanding well respected quality range from Ace Door Systems. Together, they offer their clients products made to the best designs and highest international standards from countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Denmark and Taiwan. Rudnev Door Systems and Ace Door Systems draw on cutting-edge international technology to meet the most stringent insulation and hygiene needs in their doors. Doors for every controlled environment and commercial building application are available, giving Rudnev Door Systems the most comprehensive range in New Zealand.

42 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

The complete range of products — an attractive metal  Duradoor egress door — a commercial roller  Durashutter door made to last — tough and reliable hinged  Coolclad doors for freezers and coolstores — four hour fire related  Firecoil roller shutters triggered by heat and smoke detectors

 and Ace Flex — PVC strip  Clear-Vu curtains and swing doors Alumaview — sectional doors

FX dock levellers — the world’s  Kelley most successful dock leveller dock shelters — seals and  Kelley shelters for loading dock bays

 Nergeco — superior fast acting doors  Rudnev — sliding doors doors — pressed colour  Personnel steel panel door for steel frame sheds and garages

Support and service programme Rudnev Door Systems’ personnel perform the installation and commissioning of all products in accordance with quality assurance requirements. The Rudnev Preventative Maintenance Programme offers total maintenance service throughout the year. It ensures that your

installation will be checked, adjusted and lubricated so that it operates at optimum level at all times. Factory trained Rudnev service engineers are fully equipped to deal with all day to day requirements. In the unlikely event of a breakdown, repairs will be tackled speedily and cost effectively. The Rudnev Door Systems team believes one thing that sets them apart from their competitors is the lack of bureaucracy in the business. Unlike a lot of other companies, the business owner is very hands on and readily accessible to share his extensive knowledge with customers. That same customer oriented attitude is carried through the whole team.

Future moves Rudnev Door Systems wants to continue to ensure their customers are totally satisfied with their products and services. It intends to keep up to date on overseas trends to maintain its reputation as an industry leader. Rudnev Door Systems also intends to continue developing turn-key packages so customers need only deal with one company. For example, a client might have four different types of doors needed on one site, but with a turn-key package customers can deal with one supplier, making life easier for them. The Rudnev website is designed for architects, draughtspeople, quantity surveyors and project managers to enable them to overview its door products and download its drawings and specifications for inclusion in project plans. Rudnev Door Systems 60 O’Rorke Road PO Box 11204 Penrose, Auckland 1642 T (09) 525 8601 F (09) 525 8609 E sales@rudnev.co.nz www.rudnev.co.nz www.acedoors.co.nz — Advertising Feature

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 43

Property and Construction | Maddren Homes

A century of construction

Maddren Homes has been building homes for Aucklanders for more than 100 years. Underpinning this remarkable achievement is a simple commitment to quality — building the best quality houses available.

of excellence in the residential building market. The company is owned by Tony and Terena Anderson, whose passion and vision has helped create a strong team environment and a commitment to building quality homes to suit any budget and requirement.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the building industry, Tony Anderson has established a close team with experience in As a privately owned company, Maddren Homes has built its reputation on a long history every aspect of the building process. Maddren

Homes has been at 102 Main Road, Kumeu, since its formation more than 100 years ago. Sales and marketing manager Dorothy Jonas says Maddren Homes focuses almost exclusively on the residential building market. As a specialist design-build company it engages architects who translate clients’ wish lists into designs reflect lifestyles. The company can build any style of home, from a replica villa to a modern solid masonry home. “Our forte is in the residential market. We’re a design-and-build company and we don’t have set plans,” she says. “Everyone’s requirements are different and everyone’s budget is different. We design to echo these factors.”

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Specialty builders One of Maddren Homes’ strengths is in transportable homes, with a wide range of designs from 65sqm to 120sqm. Popular as granny flats and small homes, these transportable homes offer style and functionality, featuring all the modern luxuries. These include designer kitchens and bathrooms, open-plan living, built-in wardrobes, indoor-outdoor flow and low maintenance materials.

“We’re getting more and more inquiries for our transportable homes. We have two on display here in our yard, beside our gold award-winning Kumeu showhome,” Jonas says. “We build anything from a small granny flat to an extensive mansion.” The Maddren Homes team can help to to create a complete design-and-build package, whether from a customer’s plans, altering or adding to an existing home or carrying out weather tightness repairs. Maddren Homes will carry out a site visit and offer advice on the feasibility or technical issues relating to building on your site.

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www.franklins.co.nz 44 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property and Construction | Maddren Homes The three-bedroom Huapai and a smaller home, both transportable options, sit beside it. The newest showhome, in the Millwater Estate in Silverdale, is due to open by the end of April.

In addition, Maddren Homes won a gold award in the Auckland Master Builders’ Awards for a home it built for a client. It also won awards in the competition in previous years.

Abiliites on show

Maddren Homes has built a reputation based on quality workmanship and professionalism.

Sales and marketing manager Dorothy Jonas says the Kumeu showhome won a gold James Hardie showhome award in the Auckland Master Builders’ Awards 2010 and was named the Auckland Showhome of the Year. The Kumeu demonstrates Maddren Homes’ diversity and design-build service. It features elegant presentation and detailing together with simplicity and utility. The exterior combines traditional styling, including Nu-age plaster and feature Weathertex panels, exposed rafters, external spouting and Hardigroove soffits, all giving fresh touches to a “modern villa”. The ZRX Veedek diamond roofing makes a lovely contrast to the different lines capturing this home, while a large amount of Fijian mahogany decking provides a perfect place to entertain during those long summer evenings. The Kumeu offers a sense of space, with high ceilings over a generous open-plan lounge and dining area, with a gas fireplace and tiled hearth, as well as a designer kitchen and scullery featuring a Diamond stone benchtop complete with stainless steel Fisher & Paykel appliances. Generous-sized bedrooms and stunning bathrooms complete the home, with natural colours used throughout.

Maddren Homes’ award-winning Kumeu showhome (pictured here and opposite page), demonstrates the company’s diversity and design-build service with its reputation based on quality workmanship and professionalism.

The company takes care of council and consent issues with a detailed contract including plan, specifications and price. Clients meet with Maddren’s colour consultant to discuss interior and exterior colour schemes, and a list of recommended kitchen suppliers is provided. Customers are kept fully informed of progress throughout the building process by the site supervisor, who is the first point of contact during construction. Maddren Homes prides itself on being a transparent company, keeping clients fully informed so they can enjoy the building experience with their eyes wide open.

Weatherproof guarantee Leaky homes are a huge concern for home owners today, with a building’s size, complexity, construction materials and degree of exposure to the weather all directly related to the risk of leaking.

Clients are given information on how to maintain the materials in their home in order to keep it weather tight.

Strength to strength Maddren Homes has gone from strength to strength through the recent recession, ending last year on a positive note with a number of projects booked to commence this year. Jonas says the success of Maddren Homes during the past 100 years is due to the fact that clients know they are going to get a quality home when they build with Maddren. “Our passion for building and providing ultimate quality is reflected in the finished home. The word is out there and people are talking about us. “We’re not franchised — we’re privately owned and we can do things our way. We do things a little bit differently to other companies and it’s working.”

Maddren Homes 102 Main Road Kumeu, Auckland T (09) 412 6505 F (09) 412 5160 www.maddrenhomes.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Award-winning ways Maddren Homes won gold awards and a category win in the Auckland Master Builders’ Awards last year — a reflection of the company’s commitment to quality. The company showcases three beautiful showhomes. The site in Kumeu features its newest addition, also known as the Kumeu, which emphasis contemporary living while providing a simple yet elegant finish.

Placemakers West Auckland (Westgate - Kumeu - Helensville) in association & support of Maddren Homes. Placemakers is New Zealand’s leading and largest

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“Tony is nicknamed ‘Eagle Eye’ because his expectations are high. The whole team is behind him to provide that high level of finish.” Maddren Homes evaluates the risks of leaking at the design stage, taking into account issues such as building materials and the inclusion of eaves. The company understands the importance of selecting and installing the right building materials and using only trusted and skilled suppliers and subcontractors.

“Our clients express appreciation for a wellmanaged project and superior finish to their new home.”

The team at Maddren Homes recognises that building a home can be a stressful journey and are able to save time, money and reduce, if not eliminate, stress for their clients.

Jonas says Maddren Homes is unique in that it offers a 20-year weather-tight warranty on all its homes. “Tony has built over 900 homes and none of them have leaked. We confidently offer our clients a 20-year weather-tight guarantee on top of our seven-year Master Builder’s guarantee,” Jonas says.

Jonas says the new showhome in Millwater Estate feature a completely different style to the Kumeu, while still showcasing Maddren Homes’ exceptional abilities.

“One of the biggest feedbacks we get from our clients is that they like us and they trust us to build their home,” Jonas says.

Phone: 095790422 | Fax: 09 5796002 Unit 5 Lake Industrial Court |10 Olive Rd Penrose 1061 | Auckland NZ Visit our website www.bourkegroup.co.nz

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Ph (09) 815 6800 www.placemakers.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz April/May 2011 | 45

Goods and Services | NZ Vault/Guardian Vault

Safe keeping Our material possessions are important to us for different reasons. The value we place on them might not necessarily be about money; it could be that a certain item has sentimental meaning, or that a piece of intellectual property is of critical importance to the welfare of our business and needs to be kept in a safe place.

We offer quality security products and services at competitive prices. We provide our customers with the highest level of customer service in the industry. We are constantly researching new technologies and their applications in our market. We work closely with our suppliers to offer only the most suitable products available.

Intruder Alarms | Access Control CCTV | Intercom Systems Integrated Security We are privileged to have been able to provide Guardian Vault a customised security solution meeting their stringent security requirements. Ph. 0800 359 657 Fax. 09 535 5475 Email. info@edgescurityltd.com www.edgesecurityltd.com

What does Guardian Vault and WHK have in common? A long history of working together towards success. Call us today to find out how we can help your business become more successful. better advice for a better life www.whk.co.nz wellington@whk.co.nz T +64 4 569 9069 • Accounting • Agribusiness Consulting • Audit & Assurance • Business Advisory Services • Corporate Finance • Estate & Succession Planning • Lending & Finance • Risk Insurance • Tax Consulting • Wealth Management

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surveillance cameras, motion and seismic detectors. The thick vault walls are constructed out of a high density concrete reinforced with sheets of steel and are secured by 10 tonne, 30 centimetre thick steel vault doors.

Whatever value you place on your material possessions, Guardian Vault, and its parent company, New Zealand Vault, can offer your items a secure home in their state of the art vault facilities, and, in the process, give you peace of mind in the knowledge they will be looked after.

Safe storage Having your precious possessions stored safely is particularly relevant given the recent tragic earthquake that hit Christchurch. Trusted by New Zealanders since 1931, the Guardian Vault, based in the basement level of the Guardian Building on Queen Street in Auckland’s city centre, was originally established by New Zealand Insurance before later being taken over by the New Zealand Guardian Trust. In 2008, it was bought by New Zealand Vault Ltd and has since worked in unison with parent company New Zealand Vault based in central Wellington.

Significant year New Zealand Vault and Guardian Vault managing director John Mulvey says 2011 is a significant year for the business. “It has been 80 years since the Guardian Vault was established. It is New Zealand’s oldest vault facility and we have customers that have had the same safety deposit box since the 1940s.” Mulvey says trust, security and stability are interlinked in his industry and the vaults at New Zealand Vault and Guardian Vault have been built to the highest security specifications. They are monitored and protected by a multilayered network of sophisticated

“Security used to be all about physical barriers like steel doors and walls. Today, in addition to the physical aspects of protection, we have implemented all the most sophisticated, surveillance, motional detection and access control technology.”

Privacy protection While Mulvey says the business never knows what goes into the safety deposit boxes due to the strict privacy rules enforced by the organisation, the safe deposit boxes are generally utilised to store items of sentimental importance, key documents or items that have high monetary value. “Leasing a safe deposit box is an inexpensive and safe way of protecting possessions.” As New Zealand’s leading safe deposit vaults, New Zealand Vault and Guardian Vault represent security, privacy and trust.

NZ Vault/Guardian Vault Basement Level 105 Queen Street Auckland www.guardianvault.co.nz Basement level 2 1 Willis Street Wellington www.nzvault.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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46 | April/May 2011 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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