Auckland Today Issue 98

Issue 98 |  March/April 2013

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Michael

Gerber

The international business guru dares down under entrepreneurs to dream Happy days Creating a healthy working environment

Laying down the law Navigating the employment law minefield

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nds Thousa worth rs of dolla r Rewards e of Readhis issue! in t tails for de

Simple steps for business success Common SME mistakes and how to avoid them

Virtual companies Growing a retail business with no shop frontage

age 4

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

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Issue 98 March/April 2013

Contents Viewpoints

Features

Supplements

6 HR

14 Business tips

38 Recreation

Malley & Co partner John Shingleton discusses the employment options for increasing your workforce

Auckland Today

Issue 98

34,172

6 Legal

15 Virtual companies

Trademark attorney Angela Searle on the facts and fallacies surrounding trademarks

Growing a retail business with no shop frontage

7 Management

16 Simple steps for business success

Business consultant Kevin Vincent looks at why mentoring benefits everyone

7 Politics

ABC circulation as at 31/12/12

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Labour Party leader David Shearer on keeping home ownership a reality

8 Strategies

HEAD OFFICE Academy House 47B Birmingham Drive Middleton PO Box 1879 Christchurch

Construction sector specialist Steve Lowery says growing a business is the same as building a house Author, speaker and sales specialist Richard Gee talks about measuring success

Gary Collins

GENERAL MANAGER

9 Goal setting

Rebecca Harris Di Barclay

Consultant Karen Degan delves into the mindset of making changes stick

ADMINISTRATION

9 Working life

Kylie Moore ADMIN MANAGER Kelly Allen Rhondda Brisbane Jade Haylett Stacey Coy

Occupational therapist Jane Cowan-Harris on why good office design is a no brainer

OPERATIONS MANAGER

SALES & ADVERTISING Grant Williams Melissa Sinclair Mogens Petersen Anthony Patrickson Annie Scott-Williams Kent Caddick Warren Wilks

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Jane Watson

Rob Cochrane Peter Black Daryl Noel Colin Evans

NEWSROOM Jonathon Taylor EDITOR Davina Richards JOURNALISTS Karen Pasco Marie Sherry Melinda Collins Phone: Fax: Email:

03 940 4734 0800 555 054 editor@academy.net.nz

PRODUCTION Caroline Duke PRODUCTION MANAGER Carolynne Brown PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Jenna Day

DESIGNERS Janelle Pike Andrea Frame Jarred Shakespeare Vanessa Karabassis Sarah Betman Ian Knott - Online Phone: Fax: Email:

03 961 5077 0800 555 054 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 2013 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

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

www.magazinestoday.co.nz

4 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

10 Online Website designer Suzanne Carter talks about getting your online presence working well on mobile devices

10 Events diary Find out what’s on near you

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Reader rewards in this issue…

• Grab a free extra filter with your new Filtered SafeBottle on page 20

Boats for all occasions at Smuggler Marine, how Recreational Services keeps parks picture perfect, catch a good time with Snappercatchers and the people for all your outdoor kit, Hunting and Fishing New Zealand

48 Corporate Destinations Queenstown - the picture perfect event destination

David Webb of PPB Advisory on the common mistakes SME owners make, how to turn business around and the importance of planning and strategy

54 Focus

18 Cover story

58 Property and Construction

Business guru Michael Gerber brings his entrepreneurial vision down under

Grayson Engineering’s structural steel services, doing it up with Selah Renovations, how Spaceworks makes space work, Koia Architects and Onform Construction’s home making mastery

22 Happy days

8 Sales

MANAGING DIRECTOR

What leaders can learn from private equity firms

Creating a healthy working environment

Kiwi Printing house, getting the right advice with Paul Gallagher Legal and A-Ward Attachments picks up a coveted Swedish prize

72 Transport and Motoring 28 Laying down the law Navigating the employment law minefield

30 Lifestyles Cool lights, blue shoes, a friend for your face, designer tents, Apple’s latest and greatest, the not so serious seat, one terrific turntable and a brew for the season

Auckland Motors Mitsubishi, Beyond Freight and Logistics, Phoenix Specialty Vehicles, Turners Panelbeating, Alliance Truck and Bus, Kelvin Armstrong Auto Repairs looks westward and Kingsford Motor Bodies

84 Initiatives The Casting Shop delivers forms with function

36 Property

86 Goods and Services

Olly Newland asks 10 questions about Labour’s proposed 100,000 cheap houses in 10 years

Step inside Ponsonby Central, the chic newcomer to Auckland’s retail scene and Dalton Apparel’s new lines

52 Ruck and roll Hertz Sevens general manager Steve Walters takes us behind the scenes of the best sporting event on the national calendar and into the world of big time event management

89 Hospitality Simple indulgence at Chocolate Brown, the Mecca Café Group, finding perfection at The Grill, classic Italian fare at Portofino, salivating success at Tony’s on Wellesley and the General Store Restaurant makes atmosphere matter

• Get a free website audit with ZEALD on page 24

48

• Treat your pet to a free sample pack of Canidae all natural dog food on page 29 • Buy two SafeBottles and get a third free on page page 34 • Find discount vouchers for Aubergine on page 35 • Get six free bottles of wine from myjobspace.co.nz on page 57

Competition guidelines Conditions of entry: One entry only per person and must be sent on the official entry form or as otherwise stated. Entry is free and open to all residents of New Zealand. All entrants must be over the age of 18, proof of identity and date of birth may be requested.

Employees and their immediate families of Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication are ineligible to enter. Winner(s) will be notified by email/phone. The judges’ decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into. No responsibility is accepted for late, lost or misdirected mail. Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever suffered (including but not limited to direct or consequential loss) or personal injury suffered or sustained, during the course of prize winning travel or in connection with any other prizes won. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication accept no responsibility for health, luggage, insurances, travel, personal expenses and transfers other than specified. Entries remain the property of Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication and cannot be returned. Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication reserves the right to photograph and publish winners. Entries may be used for further marketing purposes by Academy Publishing, the promoter and agencies associated with any promotion in this publication but are not made available to any third party.

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Property management with you in mind Effect Property Management offers a high-quality total property management service for all residential and commercial property requirements. The company’s service covers the greater Auckland area and encompasses almost every type of property.

Director Shaun Kearney says Effect Property Management offers complete solutions for all property needs and employs experienced managers and consultants from a range of property and real estate backgrounds.

Growing residential market Effect Property Management is an economical option for landlords wishing to have their residential property managed professionally.

“We charge a 7.5 percent flat management fee on residential property and we don’t charge any letting fee. We don’t have hidden costs,” Shaun says.

No letting fees helps to attract the best tenants who are prepared to sign longer

term contracts, reducing vacancy and in the long term maximising owners’ return.

“We do four-monthly inspections and our staff are qualified to do market rental appraisal on residential properties.”

The Effect Property Management team is familiar with the Residential Tenancy Act and associated legislation and can help resolve any issues between landlords and tenants.

“We’re experienced with the Tenancy Tribunal and provide full maintenance reports, monthly rental statements and yearly tax summaries,” he says.

Commercial property management Effect Property Management customises property management programmes to suit the individual needs of each commercial property it manages. Their management portfolio includes office, retail and industrial properties.

“We have experienced consultants and managers who have dealt with these properties in various capacities,” Shaun says.

“Property owners come to us because we take a proactive stance to management and we have a skilled team from various

backgrounds who take initiative in finding property solutions which are cost effective for you, guaranteeing a long-term return.”

• Effect can help with any issues relating to the Residential Tenancy Act and Tenancy Tribunal

Effect Property Management will arrange all maintenance and repair work on your property and does not take a margin on contractors’ work up to $3500, for both residential and commercial properties.

• Management programmes are designed for each commercial property, including retail, office and industrial

Shaun says the company is working hard to grow its portfolio of properties throughout Auckland.

• Effect will help organise all maintenance, repair and general property works • Effect provides monthly rental statements and yearly tax summaries.

Fact file: How Effect Property Management can help you...

• Effect Property Management charges a 7.5 percent management fee on residential properties, with no hidden charges • The company does not charge any letting fees • Property inspections are carried out every four months • Residential rental assessments help ensure you’re maximising returns on your investment • Qualified staff undertake professional market rental appraisals

Effect Property Management PO Box 12858, Penrose 1642 (09) 367 1805 www.effectproperty.co.nz effect@effectproperty.co.nz

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Viewpoint | HR/Legal

Employment options for increasing your workforce John Shingleton is a partner and general manager at Malley & Co Lawyers which specialises in management, human resources and employment law, visit www.malley.co.nz

With indicators suggesting increased economic activity during 2013 (and beyond), businesses have several options on how to structure their workforce.

First, the business can employ staff. As soon as a person has accepted an offer of employment, even before their start date, they are deemed to be employed. The law is clear; all employees must have their terms of employment contained in a signed written employment agreement.

A failure to do so can attract a penalty usually payable to the crown. A failure to have a written employment agreement also nullifies any attempt at having a 90 day trial period, fixed term agreement or restricting an employee to raising personal grievances within 90 days of a grievance.

A fair and valid reason would be if an employee is hired to work on a specific project with a finite date.

It is prudent that all employers employ people on a 90 day trial period. The requirements are strict and putting a new employee on a 90 day trial period does not exempt the employer from treating the employee in good faith and acting reasonably.

Secondly, a business can elect to engage contractors instead of employing staff.

Although essential, it is not sufficient to have a written contract stipulating that the parties be engaged in an independent contract relationship.

Indeed, the courts have developed a number of tests designed to ascertain the real economic and legal nature of the legal relationship between the parties.

An employee can be hired on a permanent The courts have, from time to time, full time or part time basis. This is to be determined that parties to a written contrasted with employing an employee on a independent contract were actually casual basis. Although describing the nature of parties to an employment relationship. employment in the employment agreement is essential, the law is concerned with the real However, many building companies, and in nature of the employment relationship. Thus, particular those associated with the rebuild, an employee described as a casual employee successfully and correctly engage contractors in their employment agreement, might to undertake aspects of a contract. For actually be in reality a permanent part instance, a building company might engage time employee. a plasterer to do the plastering work for a house repair. That plasterer would be self Casual employment arises where there is employed and offering his or her services to no regularity of hours of employment or any guarantee of continued employment. a number of building companies.

An employer can terminate a casual In summary, there are a number of options employment relationship by not offering available to businesses as they plan how to further employment. But, too often a casual meet demand from the rebuild. Depending employee ends up working regular and on the nature of their business, there is an guaranteed shifts after a period of time. In those cases, that employee may have become opportunity to think smart and consider how a permanent employee with the ramification best to structure their workforce. that the employer loses the right to terminate For some businesses, employing employees the employment relationship by not offering on a permanent full or part-time basis with further work. a 90 day trial period will be more than A number of retail companies successfully adequate. For others, it may be the case employ a mixture of permanent and that the workforce will comprise a mix of casual employees. permanent and casual employees, some An employee can also be employed on a fixed employees on fixed term agreements, term basis. This means the employer and and contractors engaged to provide employee agree that the employment will specific services. expire on a certain date. The rules are strict and include that there must be a valid and fair Please note this article should not be read or relied on as a substitute to specialist reason for the fixed term, which reason must be stipulated in the employment agreement. legal advice.

Can you sell?

If so, we want you !

6 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Trademark intelligence

Angela Searle is a trademark attorney for Trade Mark Intelligence who works with both SMEs and global corporations. She can be reached at angela@tmintelligence.co.nz

With almost 20 years’ experience in assisting companies to protect their trademarks, I have amassed a wealth of knowledge, along with a number of war stories regarding trademark protection.

Here I explore some of the facts and fallacies.

Trademark protection is just for multinationals and large companies looking for major trading opportunities.

False: Whilst trademark protection is of major importance to large New Zealand companies and multinationals, it is also really important to small traders. In particular, they may lack the resources to contest any allegations of infringement.

If found to have infringed another party’s trademark registration, the cost of rebranding - including design costs, new signage, a new website, new letterhead, business cards and more – can be immense.

And an established company may lose customers and goodwill associated with the original name, if rebranding is required.

Surely I can search the Intellectual Property Office (IPONZ) web site and register a trademark myself.

True: An individual can search information publically available to determine whether or not a name has trademark protection.

However, there are a number of potential problems that could result in future issues.

It is relatively easy to insert the relevant name and see what results appear.

However, a trademark registration covers “confusingly similar” trademarks as well as the identical. It is therefore important to search for similar marks such as phonetic equivalents.

This can be daunting for first time users.

Professionals bring experience in dealing with the website and have the added advantage of regular, up to the minute training by dedicated IPONZ personnel.

Secondly, when actually lodging a trademark application, many factors need to be taken into account to ensure maximum protection. Should the application cover

the logo or word mark? Or should I lodge the application for the logo in black and white or full colour?

Thirdly, if the goods or services are not correctly described, the scope of trademark protection can be limited. By ensuring the description is broad and inclusive, there is potential to increase trading potential and business capacity under the terms of the original trademark registration. A trademark expert will offer advice on how best to describe the goods and services for now and for the future.

Once lodged, each application is scrutinised by an IPONZ examiner – non compliant applications will be returned with objections.

A trademark professional can reduce and overcome such objections.

For traders wishing to sell goods or services overseas, a trademark specialist will have knowledgeable and reputable global contacts to assist.

If the trademark I want is already registered, then I need to find an alternative trading name.

False: Generally this is correct but there may be ways around it. For example, where a mark has not been used in New Zealand for a period of three years or more, or only for some of the goods and services covered by the registration, full or partial removal of the prior registration may allow the new name to co-exist.

Alternatively, the goods or services covered by the prior registration are so different to those of interest to the new trader, that co-existence may be possible as consumers are unlikely to be confused.

Trademark protection is only important where I am considering a new name.

False: Trademark protection is always important whether buying, selling or establishing a new business identity or product. A trademark portfolio should be reviewed regularly to ensure there are no ‘gaps’ in the protection offered.

In order to avoid legal hassles or in extreme cases, the disruption and costs associated with changing an established trading name, a consultation with an experienced trademark professional, is sound business practice.

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Viewpoint | Management/Politics

Mentoring benefits everyone

Keeping the home ownership dream a reality

Kevin Vincent is a director of business improvement consultants Vincent and Nugent Limited. www.vincentnugent.co.nz

There is a current trend in business toward more activity in coaching and mentoring whether at a senior executive level or for all levels of employees.

They will benefit through developing their current skills, learning new skills, gaining improved insight into their work, their organisation and themselves, obtaining unbiased support and opinion, gaining fresh perspectives, and getting advice , suggestions and options.

It is becoming increasingly recognised as a valid and important component in employee development and motivation. Many organisations are now seeing the fruits of their endeavours through participation in the process.

If a person wants to be coached or mentored then they should meet with the coach or mentor regularly and this could be weekly or monthly.

In coaching, the coach sets the goals, sees how you are doing and works alongside you to gain the skills you need. With mentoring it is very much more a “listening” environment for the mentor.

Mentors are usually regarded by the person being mentored (the mentee) as being wise or particularly experienced in their fields and they are perceived as a confidant.

At its broadest definition, a mentoring programme is a formal relationship between a mentor and a mentee, in which the mentor helps the mentee achieve clearly defined goals. Simply put, mentoring is the process in which people help others set important goals and develop the skills to reach them.

Historically, a mentor was almost always seen as an older, senior person who would take the mentee (often a junior) under their wing, helping them in whatever manner seemed right to them at the time.

Clear objectives should be set so the process remains focussed. They should rely on the coach or mentor for guidance only and not for giving answers. The mentee must be straight up – be honest and remember the coach or mentor is not a dumping ground.

Business undoubtedly benefits by incorporating mentoring and coaching practices within their organisations. These benefits include: • Develops your prospective leaders and potential high flyers • Attracts new employees • Retains existing employees • Improves internal communication • Grows the management team increases collaboration and team work • Encourages self-development ownership • Reinforces diversity • Creates better networking opportunities

Today, mentoring is more about sharing and • Makes employees feel really valued development. In its purist sense, mentoring • Challenges employee thinking in a is about supporting and developing the allpositive way around growth of the mentee, not just making them better at their job.

• Stimulates employees to be more involved and creative There are a multitude of benefits in working with either a coach and/or mentor. It can • Releases trapped potential. be either or both and in whatever situation, the basic understanding is that the person If you are responsible for your team’s is obtaining from the mentor wisdom, development then I ask you to seriously commitment, support, encouragement consider a coaching or mentoring practice in and guidance. your organisation. It will work and you will be delighted with the results.

The best environment for effective coaching and mentoring is a place where you can safely discuss any issues in confidence. People being coached and mentored need this privacy.

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

Most Kiwis dream of owning their own home.

It’s something I was certainly keen to do when I was young.

As soon as I’d saved enough for a deposit, I bought an old villa.

It was a first home - not a dream home. It had sinking piles and a sloping floor, but I was happy to do the work to bring it up to scratch so that I had a warm, dry home to call my own.

I want the same opportunity for all New Zealanders - for our children and grandchildren.

But the dream of home ownership is drifting out of reach. One of the biggest barriers for people starting out is the lack of affordable houses.

In the 1960s and 1970s, about 30-35 percent of new houses being built were entrylevel homes. Today, that’s fallen to just five percent.

Between 2011 and 2012 there was a 36 percent increase in the number of homes selling for more than a million dollars.

House prices have climbed so high that home ownership in Auckland has dipped below 60 percent for the first time. It’s the same trend in other parts of the country.

The Government says there’s nothing it can do about that. It’s up to the market. But let’s face it, the market has failed.

and affordable. Quality homes to enjoy and take pride in.

We’ll use the economies of scale involved in a project of this size to make significant savings in building costs. That means that even the cost of standalone three to four bedroom houses in Auckland, which are at the moment being built for around $450,000, can be reduced substantially.

We’ve already had a huge amount of interest in KiwiBuild from the construction industry.

Building firms, architects and designers are excited about the opportunity to create modern, energy-efficient homes.

We will kick start the programme with a one-off $1.5 billion investment. Because it will be capital investment, it will not affect New Zealand’s path back to surplus, which is a priority for Labour.

As soon as houses are built, we’ll put them on the market and the money we make from the sales will go back into the funding pot to build more. So over time KiwiBuild will be self-funding.

Not only is this plan great for first home buyers, but it will stimulate our economy by creating thousands of jobs and training opportunities.

We’ll also take the heat out of the housing market by introducing a capital gains tax to encourage investors to put their money into job creating businesses, rather than speculating on the Auckland property market.

That’s why Labour will take a very different approach. We will be hands-on and use the power only the Government has to make a difference. We’ll also oversee the largest building programme in 50 years - putting 100,000 families into their first homes over the next 10 years.

That speculation is ramping up prices beyond what people can afford and pushing rental prices up too.

It’s ambitious but doable and desperately needed.

Our housing problem won’t be fixed by leaving it to the market or tinkering. It’s time to be active and hands on, to roll up our sleeves and get stuck in and make the big changes needed.

I am focused on getting our country back into the black and on providing opportunities for all New Zealanders.

These homes will cost around $300,000 to build, on average across the country. They will be a mix of stand alone houses, terraced I had the opportunity to afford a house. I want homes and apartment buildings. But most importantly they’ll be warm, dry, insulated that for everyone else too.

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Students become calmer, happier and friendlier towards each other. CMC programme teaches Empathy and Peace in the purest form.

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- CMC, Created by Eva Scherer www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 7

Viewpoint | Strategies/Sales

Growing a business is the same as building a house Steve Lowery is the director of myOffice – specialists in construction sector business support, focussing on accounts and business systems, leaving you to manage and grow your business, visit www.myoffice.co.nz

It’s a hot topic, we all know it’s going to happen… but how many businesses are truly ready for the coming activity associated with the Canterbury rebuild and general economic growth that is going to swing into action this year?

Many companies are about to head into periods of unprecedented growth, increased workloads and growing teams, but with growth comes the extra paperwork, regulatory requirements, stress, and the associated administration and management responsibilities.

Companies in the construction industry and related sectors have immense opportunities in front of them, but unless they, or any business looking to expand, leverage the power of experts, the accompanying growing pains are almost certainly going to cause problems and for some these will be terminal.

It is standard practice when building to subcontract out specialist trades. My question when it comes to your essential business support functions, those mundane but essential tasks like managing your payable, payroll, GST, back-costing and the like, do tradespeople not subcontract in the experts?

So many people spend hours, using outdated tools to track and manage their paperwork.

So, just like you subcontract in the specialist roofer, painter or bricklayer - when you probably can do it yourself, you don’t – they are quicker, more effective and have the specialist tools for the job. It’s a greater cost, but the value you get from them is considerably higher.

A good business support subcontractor needs to be considered in the same vein, as an investment, not a cost. The opportunity cost of trying to do it all yourself inevitably limits you from growing your business, which has a direct impact on your profits. Why do work you are not good at? It will take you longer and you won’t enjoy it.

If you are smart and structured, follow a plan and subcontract in expertise as required, you will end up with a solid, professional and cost effective finished product, that will weather the storms and withstand the test of time.

You start with a plan – developed by an architect or draughtsman who puts the plan in pace and then, step by step you follow a process, subcontracting in the specialist trades as and when required.

Putting effective business systems in place means using the right tools – and there are some great ones out there.

If you utilise the very best and the sharpest business tools available – many of which are hosted online, you have secure, up to date data you can access anytime and from anywhere.

By taking your payroll, your project management, quoting, job sheets and your accounts online, you get a streamlined and easy to use system. You can delegate more tasks, you get better information, allowing you to make decisions that are more informed and everything is at your fingertips in real time.

Here’s some of the benefits of subbing out your business support functions: Free up your precious time - delegate some of the mundane, but essential, office tasks: • Payroll • Bookkeeping • GST filing • Reporting and cash flow • Supplier payments.

Now, before the rebuild kicks in, is the time to plan where you are going, look at smarter ways to ensure you reduce work stress, reclaim more time and to keep the scales, between play and productivity, balanced.

In a time when there is huge opportunity for rapid growth, businesses that do subcontract some (or all) their administration work to the experts, are the ones who will reap the greatest rewards.

Come and visit us at 7/1 Greenwich Way, Unsworth Heights Ph: 09 443 6731 E: olivebutchery@yahoo.com 8 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Measure what gets results

Richard Gee is an author, international speaker and trainer of sales people. His websites www.geewiz.co.nz, www.geewiztv.com and www.successful.co.nz contain examples and free strategies for sales marketing and business development

Many sales managers and business owners get it wrong when they measure sales results.

Measurement of the correct actions makes it easier to manage the people performance and there is no dispute of actions, it is black or white, calls done, quotes done, follow up done, sales made.

They measure money earned instead of actions that need to be taken to get the revenue budgets.

Focus your sales team on what really matters and will be measured, not on uncontrollable stuff.

Don’t measure sales dollars per week, measure the face to face calls per day over the week, then measure the effectiveness of the calls by how many became sales or quotes which demonstrates the sales person used the employable skills they have.

It really does work.

Maybe this measure will show they need training to get better results, but it really goes to the heart of the performance.

Poor sales are always the result of poor face to face activity; if you don’t get in front of the customer, identifying problems to solve, then you don’t get sales.

Upcoming Auckland seminars:

Excuses of emails and phone calls being done are areas that should not be measured - they are just tools of the job, just like the presentation tools of the laptop or iPad etc.

Mar 12 Sales Basics

A good measureable target is four face to face calls per day for five days; 20 calls in the week will generate quotes and followups into business. Customer service teams can make 10 calls per hour to targeted segment customers, for measurable results of rep appointments gained, quotes to send, or sales.

Mar 19 Customer Service Basics

Measure the numbers of actions and you will get the dollars to happen.

June 18 Sales Basics

Support your sales team with sharing the numbers at sales meetings and get them to share the success and wins from their measured activity, and encourage each other to practise their employed skill more often.

It is a New Zealand statistic that Kiwi sales reps only spend 2.5 hours per day in front of customers selling to them. So ask yourself what are they spending the rest of the time doing; driving, admin, or time wasting stuff?

You employed the sales rep to sell, not spend 75 percent of their time doing other stuff that does not earn revenue.

The best quality Halal meat at the most affordable price

Feb 12 Sales Basics Feb 13 Advanced Serious Selling Mar 13 Create a Business Marketing Strategic Plan in One Day Mar 20 Advanced Serious Selling Apr 16 Sales Basics Apr 17 Sales Management May 14 Sales Basics May 15 Advanced Serious Selling

June 19 Leadership with Results

To book on line visit the website www.geewiz.co.nz/seminars or call 0800 GEEWIZ [433 949]

Viewpoints | Working Life/Goal Setting

Good office design makes good sense

Making changes stick

Jane Cowan-Harris is an occupational therapist specialising in helping workplaces achieve greater productivity by ensuring better office and workstation design.

Visit www.sitrightworkwell.co.nz

It’s a bit scary how much time we all seem to spend sitting in front of computers these days.

contribution to their company's wellbeing and efficiency.

Many people spend their entire workday emailing, creating reports, documents and spread sheets, scanning paperwork and increasingly using a range of technology devices from their seated work place. And beyond work practices, most of us spend hours daily on the computer, laptop, ipad or iphone checking Facebook, browsing Trade Me, Skyping friends, booking holidays, shopping online and the list goes on.

A new concept in this area is called ‘green ergonomics’. This is the integration of ergonomics into sustainable development to enhance performance, productivity, health and wellbeing, thereby promoting sustainability at both the individual and systems level. Isn’t this what all businesses desire?

So what effect is this having on our bodies?

Longer periods of sitting are causing weight gain, reduced fitness, back, shoulder and neck pain and eye strain. Many people think of neck and shoulder pain as ‘normal’ and explain it away as “it’s just because I work on a computer, what else would you expect?”

Scary words indeed. Inaction and putting up with the pain can result in numerous health problems and in lower efficiency at work.

Reduced concentration due to pain, time off to see health professionals, sick days, or time out from the computer all result in down time from work, with a flow on effect that costs the employer.

According to research done in the US, time off work due to work related pain, costs five percent of GDP. This is a huge amount – and an expense that can be reduced significantly with better office design, education and ongoing work place assessments.

The obvious place to start when looking at injury prevention is in the office design itself.

And what a wonderful opportunity many businesses in Christchurch have right now.

Workplaces with high computer use can benefit significantly by having their staff’s computer work set up checked.

Assessments should include a review of the workplace and education in how to avoid or manage discomfort issues.

By encouraging staff to take breaks, providing advice on how to sit in a way that isn’t going to contribute to back pain, and ongoing reminders to staff to avoid using equipment for long uninterrupted periods, employers can make a significant positive

Green ergonomics

When planning or renovating an office space, employers should engage a person skilled in identifying the occupational needs of the organisation, along with an expert in space design.

This collaboration follows through into the office furniture selected, ensuring that chairs, desks and work stations fit the needs, body sizes, and work demands of staff. Office furniture is a large expense for any company, so getting it right first time, makes total sense ergonomically and economically.

Light is another major issue that can impact negatively or positively on staff performance.

Professional advice on where lighting is positioned, how desks should be sited to take advantage of natural and artificial light, and optimum window protection all help to create an environment where people can work comfortably and productively.

Having professionals involved in the initial workplace set up shows a positive best practice proactive approach on the part of the employer, but people easily slip back into old habits. Regular reminders, workplace appraisals and checks on how staff are working, are essential to keep people as fit as possible while at work.

Depending on the type of work the company does – as well as staff turnover rates and company growth –ongoing checks are recommended monthly, annually or any time period in between.

In Canterbury especially, many companies are experiencing exponential growth - often in premises not designed for the work being undertaken. Staff are likely to be under pressure with increasing workloads so are more likely to develop bad habits, aches and niggles which can develop into something more serious if ignored.

Karen Degen is a consultant specialising in the psychology behind business success.

Email: karen@setfree.co.nz or visit www.setfree.co.nz

According to statistics only eight percent of people are successful in achieving New Year’s resolutions.

Not only are 92 percent of resolutions broken, but according to research printed in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, 25 percent of them are broken in the first week.

Willpower and conscious effort may have an impact, but only for short bursts, rarely for the long term. That is because the brain is not very effective at modifying our habits.

To make any permanent change we need to address these habits where they live: in our subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is in control most of the time and is incredibly powerful. Depending on which doctor you listen to, it’s somewhere between 1,000 times and 1,000,000 times more powerful than the conscious mind and makes up at least 95 percent of our brain.

The top five New Year’s resolutions are: 1.

Stop smoking

2. Lose weight

Unless the programmes running there are changed, it is likely that attempts to change your habits will not succeed. Changing subconscious programmes will often require professional help.

3. Get fit 4. Save more/spend less 5. Enjoy life more.

There are a number of reasons why resolutions are not kept. The first of these is not having a plan.

Statistics back up this understanding that willpower alone is not enough. One study of new gym goers showed that 80 percent of them had dropped out within eight weeks.

Business plans to give us a step by step process and a path to follow, because without one we are just guessing and hoping. A good business plan also assesses potential threats and challenges.

Achieving goals requires commitment. If you really are committed then share your resolution with others.

If you are not making progress, don’t allow the goal to just fade away. Figure out what you need to do to accomplish it. You may need the help of a professional to analyse why the goal is not being met.Suggestions for achieving your goals:

Making a written plan for achieving any resolution is just as important. A study done

by Harvard Business School found that 83 percent of the population had no goals, 14 percent had goals but they were not written down, and only three percent of people had clearly defined written goals. It found the people who had clearly defined written goals earned an astounding 10 times more income than those with no goals.

• Write your resolution down • Write up a plan on how you will achieve it and how you will overcome challenges

The second reason many people don’t achieve is because they don’t address the emotional contributors. Smoking for instance is well known to alleviate stress and dampen down uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. To stop smoking without addressing the reasons why you ‘need’ to smoke will likely result in failure.

It is the same with overeating. Using food to ‘eat your emotions’ is often unconscious, but has similar drivers to smoking, alcohol or drug use. The only way to be permanently free from these addictions is to address the emotional drivers behind them.

People usually start off feeling enthusiastic and motivated after making a resolution, but then it seems that the brakes go on.

• Don’t rely on willpower alone because the conscious mind is not in control.

Get professional help to change your subconscious programmes • Commit fully to achieving them • Tell others - speak about your resolutions and your commitment to them • Review your progress regularly and seek help if you are not making progress.

The most important part of a resolution is not the making of it, but the action taken.

In the words of Tony Robbins “a real decision is measured by the fact that you’ve taken new action. If there is no action, you haven’t truly decided.”

www.facebook.com/YouthtownNewZealand

Check out Youthtown’s holiday and term programmes

North Shore: 09 444 8355 | Central: 09 379 5430 | Panmure: 09 527 2461| Papakura: 09 297 7386 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 9

Viewpoints | Technology

News | Events Diary

Does your website look good on mobile?

Events diary

What’s happening on the business and entertainment front

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 – JUNE 14 Organisational Mentoring

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

Now is the time of year a lot of businesses start planning for a new website or are looking to update their existing one.

One consideration I think should be top of any website planning list, is to ensure that your website offers a great user experience on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

We all know that mobile device usage is on the up and up in New Zealand, which means many of your potential clients will be searching for and browsing websites that fit their needs via smartphones or tablets.

It won’t be long, before internet access via mobile devices will overtake access via desktop computer, so it’s worth future proofing your website now.

With the developing mobile device landscape, user expectations have also developed and now the expectation is they should be able to browse the web and view websites on phones just as easily as if they were doing it via a desktop computer.

How does your site look on a smartphone?

Have you looked at your website recently using your phone, tablet, netbook or even a TV? Is it hard to read, completely broken, or difficult to easily find what you need on the site?

Your site would have been designed to look great on a desktop screen of probably 1024 x 768 pixels and perhaps it doesn’t look too bad on a tablet or a netbook, but on a phone or a very large screen it very likely isn’t doing the best job it can. This needs to be fixed.

How do I make my website mobile friendly?

Through what is known as Responsive Website Design (RWD). Websites designed and built using RWD techniques means they automatically resize according to the size of window they are being viewed on – even TVs. With more and more tablets and smartphones coming onto the market, and all of them having different screen sizes, it’s a smarter solution to have your website flex and respond than to serve up a separate site or different theme just for that device.

Responsive Website Design or a dedicated mobile site?

While Responsive Website Design is the best solution for most websites, it is not the right solution for all. For some businesses a separate mobile website may be the preferred option and generally speaking, this will be because people have significantly different goals when browsing your site from a mobile device.

For example, a bank might just want to provide users with access to internet banking as this will be the main reason such users will be accessing the site using a mobile device.

In this instance, a separate mobile website or app may be the way to go.

Dedicated mobile sites are usually quicker to implement, as they are quite straightforward to design and build and they do offer a purpose built experience as highlighted above. However, they are difficult to future proof due to the rapid ongoing development of mobile internet.

Using RWD will definitely future-proof your website and whilst the process does take longer, it is well worth the time and investment to do it at the start rather than ‘retro-fit’ an existing site.

With a dedicated mobile site you need to update both this site and the desktop version each time you have a content or image update, but with RWD you only need to it once.

Another plus for RWD is that Google announced last year it will recommend websites which use this technique, as it provides an optimal experience for mobile device users.

Day by day, the number of devices, platforms and browsers that need to work with websites grows. RWD represents a fundamental shift in how websites will be built for the decade to come.

Even if mobile device visitors to your website are fairly low, you will no doubt see a steady month on month increase (this data can be viewed by having Google Analytics installed on your site). So if you are thinking of changing your website, you really need to think about RWD. Your users will be expecting it.

10 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Would mentoring enhance the productivity of your staff? This mentoring programme provides transformational learning to help employees share knowledge, work to their true potential and achieve business goals. Mentoring is a great way to support staff within an organisation and, when run effectively, can positively impact staff performance, retention and skill building.

talent will team up with leading design showrooms across Auckland’s city and work in partnership to produce a series of eclectic and inspirational temporary installations. Enjoy a day of stunning furniture, design objects, motoring, lighting, technology, bathrooms, kitchens, hospitality and more.

Tickets available from: www. urbismagazine.com/designday/

MONDAY, APRIL 1

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

Queen Street Golden Mile

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

In 1983 Mike Boit became the fastest human ever to run a mile – 3 minutes, 28.36 seconds down Queen Street. Now it’s your turn to run in the footsteps of champions such as Mike Boit, John Walker and Steve Scott. You’ll also receive a personal certificate.

Communication Strategies Communication is essential to our everyday life. Effective communication avoids misunderstandings and enables us to connect. This isn’t just about talking - it includes listening, body language, effective questioning, and assertiveness. Learn these skills and techniques and more to become an effective communicator.

Register at www.queenstreetmile.co.nz

MONDAY, APRIL 8 Introduction to Business Seminars

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

If you’re planning on starting a new business, this free seminar is the place to learn about working smarter with its online services, business structures, income tax, expenses you can claim, GST and more.

Maximising the Value of Your Business

Visit: www.ird.govt.nz

Book at: www.minervalearning.co.nz

Every business must be sold at some point in its lifecycle and the best place to start to plan your business is the day is opens. This workshop covers the essentials of how to prepare and sell your business.

To register, visit: www.bizhub.anz.co.nz

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 Green Property Summit 2013 The Green Property Summit is New Zealand’s foremost green building event. Now in its fourth year, the successful partnership between Property Council New Zealand and the New Zealand Green Building Council delivers valuable green building information and education to the NZ property industry.

Visit: www.greenpropertysummit.org.nz

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Urbis Designday New Zealand’s premier design event, Urbis Designday, is one of the most exciting dates on the calendar. New Zealand’s top creative

FRIDAY, APRIL 12 Performance Management Inspiring someone to be their best is no easy task. Just how do you manage for optimum performance? How do you create a motivating environment that encourages people to go beyond their best? Performance management is an ongoing activity requiring motivation and participation by employees and employers. Learn tools and techniques to lift performance and achieve shared goals.

Tickets available from: www.minervalearning.co.nz

MONDAY, APRIL 22 GST Workshop This workshop is a hands-on interactive session where you learn to complete a mock cashbook and GST return. It is ideal for sole traders, partnerships and other small businesses.

Visit: www.ird.govt.nz

LOOK GOOD, FEEL GREAT There is something particularly emotive about a crisp, clean, beautifully tailored suit – a classic icon that has transcended every generation since its arrival on the sartorial scene in the aristocratic era.

It is a highly coveted addition to any wardrobe and has an empowering and transformative effect for the wearer, allowing them to engender strength, class and sophistication.

But this dynamic duo was effectively a triumvirate of talent as Waterson’s wife, a textile specialist, also offered expert insight armed with many years of experience with textiles.

“The suits in stock had been rented out a lot over the years and we needed a fresh range and a new competitive angle that would allow us to stand out in the market.”

Before long, it was Waterson and his wife steering the professional ship on their own, and needless to say, it was a blissful professional marriage with Waterson’s extensive marketing and sales background and his wife’s indepth, practical knowledge.

This is where Waterson played to his professional strengths and made his customers an offer they couldn’t refuse.

“I brought all my marketing knowledge with me into the business and I knew we needed a strong, visible presence in the market.

“For the first six months we worked together and brought our 18 month

“We came up with the slogan, ‘Look Good, Feel Great’ and this underpins

A suit is both nostalgic and contemporary with a role to play in many formal occasions and no one knows, appreciates or embodies this understanding more than Balmoral Suit Hire – a business that has been helping its customers suit up for more than 30 years.

“The other week we had someone come in to hire a suit for a job interview and came back to us and to say, ‘I got the job!’ and that was so rewarding for us.”

It really is a case of XYZ at Balmoral Suit Hire – from a generational perspective that is. Waterson ensures his seven staff are a reflection of the customers the business serves, to make the experience of hiring a suit comfortable for everyone.

“I am a great believer in the youth of today. I believe many youth workers have a tough time securing work these days, because employers are not willing to give them the experience. From my point of view, they are a very valuable part of what we do because they can relate to our younger customers who are hiring a suit for a ball or an interview.

Not only that, but they are ready to learn and are very teachable.

At the helm of Balmoral Suit Hire are owners and operators, Mark and Susan Waterson. A gentleman, in every sense of the word, Waterson is a man with a sharp eye for a promising opportunity.

He knows the ins and out of a suit, quite literally, thanks to the skills he inherited from the previous owner of Balmoral Suit Hire when he purchased the business in 2005. “My wife and I were looking for a business opportunity at the time and there were a number of options for us, including a French bakery, hairdressing salon and a gym,” he reveals.

“I also greatly appreciate their IT skills,” Waterson quips.

Waterson says at the heart of the business’ excellent customer service is trust and a commitment to building strong, sustainable relationships with customers.

“What we really wanted was a business that we could improve and inject enthusiasm into and we came across Balmoral Suit Hire. The gentleman who owned the business at the time was 76 years old and he had exceptional knowledge of the trade. He had been incredibly loyal and friendly to his customers, but was ready to retire.”

“He taught me the basics of his trade so I could take on the business with some confidence and a level of preparedness, which would help me to drive Balmoral Suit Hire to reach its full potential.

However, it was my wife who fully educated me. He taught me the basics, but it was my wife, who, with her knowledge and her love, gave me the confidence I needed,” Waterson explains.

“From all of the research we have done, we are also able to give guidance and advice about helping people present well in every way. We let people know who are going for job interviews that it’s not just about the suit – we explain that they need the shirt, the tie and clean shoes to complete the package.

XYZ

Suit school

As the old saying goes, timing is everything and the meeting of these two minds could not have come at a better time for both the original owner and Waterson.

Balmoral Suit Hire apart from the rest – it’s the business’ dedication to going above and beyond.

“At Balmoral Suit Hire our staff are trained to build trust with our customers – this in turn helps them relax and really enjoy the experience. It is always important to us that we listen to our customer so we know exactly what their wants and needs are. old son to work with us every day. My wife is incredibly skilled with textiles and taught me everything she knows. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her,” he says sincerely and proudly.

Mixing business and pleasure With his eye for suiting detail honed, Waterson says attention to a number of other business elements was needed and needed quick smart – not least of all, the existing suit range.

everything we do. In addition to this offering, we have worked towards providing an extensive range of suits that caters for weddings, balls, black tie events and interviews – any occasion that demands or deserves a suit.

“We add value to our business by offering free shirt and tie hire with every suit hire. It’s fair to say most people hiring a suit who don’t own their own, generally don’t have a tie or shirt either.”

But it isn’t just the beautiful range of suits or competitive offering that sets

“I truly believe that if our customers feel comfortable with us, they will trust us to help them look their best. We truly want them to ‘look good, feel great.’”

Balmoral Suit Hire 2 Birkdale Road Birkenhead, Auckland 0626 T 0800 784 844 E balmoralsuithire@gmail.com www.balmoralsuithire.co.nz

News | Power Saving

Energy management now a key business strategy One of New Zealand’s biggest meat exporters is set to build its international brand through a range of energy management and efficiency measures.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) recently announced it is working with Silver Fern Farms to achieve annual energy saving targets of more than 13 gigawatt hours (GWh), and deliver ongoing cost savings of $700,000 to the company, within two years.

Under the agreement with EECA, Silver Fern Farms will invest approximately $1.4 million in the initiative that will incorporate energy efficiency into its business strategy and invest in more efficiency projects in its processing plants.

EECA Business industrial programme manager, Rod Treder says the increased focus on energy use and waste will help Silver Fern Farms deliver its business strategy in a number of ways. “Silver Fern Farms puts a lot of effort into building a brand that is valued by discerning consumers in New Zealand and in offshore markets.

“By investing in energy efficiency Silver Fern Farms can further demonstrate its commitment to sustainable production to its customers.

Rod says improved energy management can deliver a number of other benefits for business.

“From lower maintenance bills to better health and safety outcomes, more engaged staff and enhanced green credentials, energy management best practice delivers for business in so many ways,” he says.

“The energy savings resulting from this plan will assist us to provide on-going financial benefit to the business.”

Silver Fern Farms chief executive, Keith Cooper says improved energy management is a key priority for the business. “In everything we do we want to do our industry and our country proud. The way we look after our resources is a mark about us as a company.

“It is important that we make our production infrastructure as energy efficient as possible to enable the best use of the resource.

“We aim for the highest levels of care of our resources through the whole process so we can deliver our customers with inspirational food.”

Keith says improving energy efficiency will help the company to deliver on its vision of producing inspirational food created by passionate people. “Our people are innovative. This programme will give them a chance to harness some of their know-how and show how they can set new standards for our industry in the area of energy management. This is an important partnership with EECA as we can build on our expertise,” he says.

EECA Business funding of up to $240,000 (contingent on the achievement of energy savings targets and other milestones) is available to Silver Fern Farms.

Under the initiative Silver Fern Farms will develop energy management plans for five of the company’s larger sites. The plans will include putting in place systems to identify, evaluate and implement energy efficiency opportunities.

Energy and utility consultants Enercon has been contracted by Silver Fern Farms to assist it in establishing the energy management plans and associated energy efficiency projects.

EECA Business EECA Business is part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.

It’s designed to help New Zealand businesses succeed through making better decisions about the energy they use every day – helping them reduce costs and improve productivity.

EECA Business makes the decision to invest in energy efficiency easier by providing relevant, accurate information and connecting businesses with energy efficiency experts, who give practical advice and provide access to funding.

Better business productivity means more employment and helps exporters compete in off-shore markets so everyone wins.

By becoming more energy efficient, businesses reduce carbon emissions and help New Zealand meet the challenge of climate change.

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12 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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News | Business Tips

What business leaders can learn from private equity firms

By Stephen Lynch

The best performing private equity firms have valuable lessons to teach business leaders. Here is our take on an article from Booz & Co. Cash is king When private equity (PE) firms acquire a company, they typically use debt to finance the purchase. This creates an urgency to optimise cashflow to repay the debt. They tightly manage accounts receivables, optimise inventories, and scrutinise all discretionary expenses.

Likewise, business leaders should scrutinise every expense in their business. Is it “must have” (required to keep the lights on), “smart to have” (creates a future strategic advantage), or “nice to have” (everything else)? The next step is to eliminate the “nice to have” expenses.

Long term value creation Long term value creation means going beyond financial engineering and cost cutting. How should resources be allocated to maximise future returns?

in long term value creation. In order to exit their investment they need to convince a new buyer that they have positioned the company for future growth and profitability.

Likewise, business leaders need to assess the growth and profitability of each of their product and service lines. Which offerings are the most profitable? Which offerings have the most potential for future growth? What activities will be considered core vs. noncore? Continually “prune the rose bush” and focus your resources only on activities where the company can create a long term sustainable strategic advantage.

Get it done Time is money. In the first 100 days of ownership, private equity firms have little appetite for socialisation and consensus building. They feel a sense of urgency and rapidly make strategic decisions to implement change.

This usually means exiting entire lines of Business leaders can learn a lot from business that have limited future growth potential. After eliminating non-core activities, the private equity firm’s need for speed.

Consensus is nice, but waiting too long to private equity firms can then afford to invest

implement strategic changes can carry a heavy penalty.

Build the right team PE firms know that strong, effective leadership is critical to the success of their investment. Sometimes they invest in a company based on the strength of its management talent. Otherwise they will act swiftly to put the right management team in place. They continually assess top and middle managers and quickly remove or replace low performers.

Pay for performance PE firms pay modest base salaries, but add variable remuneration based on company and individual performance. Managers share

in the upside and the downside. PE firms will reduce or even eliminate bonus payments if the company fails to achieve its targets.

Top managers are given real “skin in the game” in the form of equity in the company.

Because this equity is essentially illiquid until the PE firm sells the company, it aligns their long term interests and reduces any temptation by managers to manipulate short term performance.

Make performance visible PE firms pay rigorous attention to a select set of key performance indicators. They use business execution software to make the data visible, and to keep the managers focused on the most important things they need to achieve to move the business forward.

Aim for the bullseye to hit the target

By Stephen Lynch

As any good shooter knows, if you want to hit the target consistently you need to aim for the bullseye every time. If you take the wider view and aim at the whole target, you are likely to miss the target completely.

You must figure out and narrowly define the type of customer who sits right at the center of your bullseye. Who can you delight and excite the most with what you offer?

When you aim for that type of customer, chances are you will still pick up the customers who sit in the outer rings of the circle – but at least your shots will land now – and not miss the target completely!

You bullseye target customers may not even make up the majority of your sales volume - but when you take direct aim at them your marketing suddenly becomes far more powerful. Your product and service design has more clarity and focus, because you know precisely who you are building it for. Your marketing communications become more effective, because you know exactly who you are talking to.

The same principle applies to marketing. If you identify who (or what) your bullseye customer is, and take careful aim at them, you Seth Godin once said “A product for everybody are far more likely to hit something. is a product for nobody”. You need to tailor It’s a simple concept, but it’s seldom done your marketing to a specific “someone”. Don’t well. We see far too many companies who cater for the masses - cater to your ideal have not clearly defined their target market target market customer. customer. They try to be “all things to all When you get this concept right, your target people” with limited success. customer will intuitively know that you are These companies fear that by narrowing speaking to them. You are no longer just a their focus, they might be limiting their generic functional solution – you become a opportunities in some way. The solution is meaningful brand to them – one that they are counter-intuitive. You must “delight the few to willing to identify with and spread the good attract the many”. word about.

14 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Yes, you can still sell to the masses if they want to give you money. But your marketing will only be successful if you aim for a clearly defined target market.

Focus on less to achieve more!

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

News | Trends

Virtual companies

Growing a retail business with no shop frontage As online trading claims a bigger share of the consumer spend, few New Zealand businesses are well positioned to take advantage of the enormous sales potential offered by having an effective online presence.

The annual MYOB Business Insights survey shows that only 34 percent of New Zealand businesses have a website and of those, only 20 percent use e-commerce, yet 80 percent of Kiwis search online before making a purchase.

There is enormous potential in creating a website to service a rapidly growing market however, success online involves more than creating a website and sitting back and waiting for the orders to flow in.

Sabre Signs managing director Colin Francois is acutely aware of the benefits of creating a successful website – and of the need to ensure the site is responsive to ever changing clients’ demands. His online business model was initially driven by a need to retain market share in a competitive business. However, in the post-quake Canterbury environment – where the passing trade customers were unable to enter his red zone business location – having a successful website has ensured his company’s survival and growth.

Francois has sage advice for anyone considering retail. “Embrace technology.

Improvements are leapfrogging and the world changes all the time - consumers are changing all the time. People who believe you need a shop to set up a retail store are deluding themselves.”

wide format printers that scan and print on a variety of substrates - has ensured Sabre can provide a one stop sign service and this has attracted custom from other print companies, sign writers and the private market.

“We get lots of special requests. We monitor this and can test the market very quickly. If it works we expand, if not, we take it off.”

He cites the trend for companies requiring pull up promotional banners. “When we noticed a growing demand for display signs, we put that on our front page. They are now a big seller. Customers wanted some loyalty benefits, so we included AA Smartfuel as a way of rewarding our online customers.”

In 2005 when Francois purchased Sabre Signs, 80 percent of the business was screen printing Providing trade and site safety specific signs for the Canterbury rebuild is another example signs. Now screen printing accounts for a much smaller percentage of the business and of responding rapidly to changing customer 80 percent of the printing is done digitally.

Adapting the business to stay competitive and responsive to the market has involved major investment in technology; both on the company floor and in establishing and administering the company’s website.

demand via an online portal. “The earthquake resulted in a loss of some of our customers, but it also created enormous opportunity. We created online templates for trade signage and that business has really grown as the rebuild has got underway.”

Top tips for maintaining an effective website • Invest in search engine optimisation – ensure that your website is the ‘Go To’ website when potential clients go online.

Spend money and time to ensure you reap all the potential benefits of online trading • Know your market – know what your customers want and be prepared to provide it. Add, delete or amend

products in response to sales statistics and customer requests • Ensure you are customer focused – be responsive, reliable and reactive. Monitor website sales closely and work alongside clients to satisfy changing demands • Enhance the customer experience – ensure the website is easy to navigate. Add products where this is likely to provide benefits and make the shopping experience more customer orientated • Know what people are buying and how much they are prepared to pay. Prices and product availability can change in a flash – adapt quickly when market share has the potential to drop or increase dramatically.

To find out more about Sabre Signs visit www.sabresigns.co.nz

“Our attitude has always been to determine what the customer wants and then to do it,” Francois says. A close association with Trade Me has been invaluable in ensuring a web presence that maximises online trading opportunities. Sabre has a link via Trade Me property and a variety of ‘for sale’ sign templates provide a quick and stress-free option for sellers to have a customised sign, delivered to their door, within 36 hours of placing the order.

Francois concedes enormous time and resources were involved in getting his website operational – he manages the back end design – but the effort has ensured the Trade Me affiliation has continued and has enhanced his company’s reputation as a leading national sign and display supplier. Ongoing investment in the latest equipment - including faster,

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 15

News | Q&A

Simple steps for business success

Q&A with PPB Advisory, NZ managing partner, David Webb

By Davina Richards

Starting a business can be rewarding and satisfying and most entrepreneurs start out fuelled with passion, courage, motivation and a strong belief in their company. But many first-time business owners make common business blunders before they’ve had a chance to stand tall, strong and stable in the industry.

Behind every business there are inevitable challenges. New business owners need to do the necessary background research and seek sound advice from trusted advisors to ensure business will be rewarding for years to come.

David Webb talks to us about the common mistakes SME owners make, how to turn business around and stresses the importance of planning and strategy. It’s these fundamental approaches SMEs should consider which could potentially make or break a business.

What should SME business owners think carefully about before starting a business?

Many SME business owners start out with an idea they passionately believe in and as a nation we encourage the Kiwi entrepreneurial spirit to give it a go. That said there are some common pitfalls which can be avoided with careful planning and consideration. The first step is to write a business plan to map out how you will start and run your business successfully. A good business plan should address the following:

Can you afford to get the business started?

The old cliché that ‘cash is king’, is one of the most important mantras for a business owner. For the start up to be successful, the business owner needs to ensure that the business case is strong. Funding should be secured before commencing trade. This may be through equity, debt (eg bank loan) or government grants.

Check statutory obligations There are a wide variety of laws that govern businesses in NZ and it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with them. You will need to register with taxation authorities for income tax and GST. If you employ people you will have obligations to keep employment records, direct tax and superannuation, take out insurance relating to employees and comply with health and safety rules.

You may be required to hold a statutory license or permits.

Whilst the above can be daunting, your business advisers will be able to assist in helping you work through all these issues.

Is there a market for the product?

What are the most common mistakes?

A fantastic idea, product or service is not enough. For the business to be successful there needs to be demand from a customer base that is a market for the product or service. Carrying out market research, even if it’s limited to obtaining the views of friends and family and listening and acting on their views, is important before commencing the next stage in starting the business.

Business owners often spend too much time in the business rather than working on their business. That is, they are distracted by the day to day operations and lose sight of the performance and strategic direction of the business.

How are you going to get the product to market?

Once the business owner is sure there is a market for their product/service they need to develop their business strategy. They will need to ask, at a minimum, the following questions and ensure they have a detailed response: How am I going to differentiate my business from my competitors?

What marketing is required?

What additional resources are required?

How much will this cost?

How will I fund these costs?

16 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Business owners must take time to stop and ensure the business is achieving the results they anticipated and revisit the strategy to ensure it meets the needs of its customers.

Overestimating the demand for the new product or service, and lack of cash or funding when the business starts to grow - ultimately these link back to poor definition of business strategy when the business commenced.

How can SME owners identify trouble in their business?

Most business owners will be aware of the classic warning signs such as a lack of cash or fully drawn overdraft facility. This typically results in delayed payments to creditors and direct debits being bounced. Falling staff morale can also be an important sign that a business is in trouble. In our experience, poor management focus on operational, rather than strategic issues.

What’s the best way people can handle a crisis in their business?

Every SME owner should have a trusted external accountant, lawyer and/or business advisor that can help them draw up a plan to stabilise and turn around their business.

The next port of call is the relationship with the manager at their bank, ideally with their external advisor. Their bank may be able to provide financial assistance if the position is temporary, or to refer you to a turnaround expert if the situation appears to be a longer term issue.

It is critical that business owners acknowledge the situation they are in and engage with key stakeholders such as management, employees, banks, Inland Revenue Department and trade suppliers, to ensure that everyone understands the position and is working towards the goal of saving the business or, in a worst case, mitigating further losses and possible personal exposure of the directors/ guarantors.

At what point should SME owners ask for help?

Business owners need to take action as soon as they identify warning signs in their business. They need to seek assistance as soon as they face situations they don’t understand, or have the experience to manage their way through. In our experience early intervention will improve the chances of turning a business around.

Who can SME owners turn to as trusted advisors?

In addition to a trusted accountant, lawyer or business adviser, regional councils can also be a good source of information. They are currently promoting business growth and may have access to partially funded business advisors through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).

What steps can SME owners take to turn around their business?

If SME owners could take one thing away from this article, it should be the importance of short to medium term cash flow forecasts.

Once they identity warning signs, they should start to prepare a realistic forecast and seek the input of their external advisors to assist them in the preparation of a turnaround / recovery strategy.

A cash flow forecast will provide the bank with assurance that the business has matters in hand and has a feasible plan for recovery. It will also allow SME owners to plan payments to creditors and hopefully agree to repayment plans whilst maintaining ongoing trade.

It’s important to engage with the IRD and banker early. If a problem is brought to them

with a solution, they are more willing to work with a business. If the SME owner does not engage with these two key stakeholders, or takes a confrontational or aggressive approach, the IRD particularly can become an aggressive creditor in recovering its debt.

What can new SME business owners do to keep their business on track and stay on track? And why is it important SME owners receive this kind of help?

It is important to spend time evaluating the business strategy, preparing and reviewing financial and cash flow forecasts, talking to a trusted advisor and having a good relationship with your bank manager.

In addition there are several other initiatives to help SME business owners. Local councils and chambers of commerce run a number of programmes to help business owners and many are now partly funded through NZTE. We have also seen business owners use business mentors or the concept of alternative boards, where several business owners come together to discuss issues in their business, to assist the governance and strategy of the business and achieve a good mix of working in and on their business.

In what ways can PPB Advisory help SME business owners?

PPB Advisory has extensive experience helping businesses overcome challenges which may hinder their success. We have developed a health check which is designed specifically for SMEs. By undertaking a one to two day strategic review, we are able to identify the areas that require attention and where possible, we will develop a turnaround plan in collaboration with the business owner and its bank.

How have business owners responded?

SME business owners may initially be hesitant to seek assistance as they have invested so much in their businesses, both financially and emotionally. However, we find that once they do, they are comforted to learn that their businesses can often be stabilised and turned around to a more sustainable footing.

What has been the impact of PPB Advisory on businesses in NZ? PPB Advisory has operated as a genuine turnaround advisor, assisting businesses of all sizes and industries to optimise performance and ultimately enterprise value.

This includes the successful restructure of a number of businesses, sourcing new sources of finance and improving relationships between businesses and their banks.

To find out more, visit www.ppbadvisory.co.nz

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News | Cover Story

Dare to dream

By Karen Pasco

Some may call him a business evangelist, some may describe him as a visionary – in fact what Michael E. Gerber is, is a man who had a dream - a dream to help others in their businesses and in their lives. Now he is living his dream and passing it on to others so they can live theirs too.

Throughout our lifetime we are constantly told “be careful”, “don’t do that you might hurt yourself”, “don’t fail”. Although the intentions are that parents, teachers, caregivers and any adult that may be involved in the upbringing of a child are trying to protect that person; what’s actually happening is that child is being conditioned and becomes afraid of trying new things, developing ideas or following their dreams.

“This kills our creativity,” Gerber says. “What we need to do is go back to the childlike mentality when we were not afraid to try; we were confident and had dreams than seemed unimaginable.”

Successful entrepreneurs have shown they do not let their minds get bogged down by such negativity; instead they look at how they can make something work. Gerber believes there is an entrepreneur in every man and woman and believes the reason many small businesses fail is because people don’t think big enough.

Often people create a business so they become their own boss and what they don’t realise in doing so, they are often a technician within that business who is fully able to understand the work they do, but has not necessarily developed the qualities needed to operate it successfully, he says.

“Entrepreneurs invent businesses that work without them - technicians invent businesses that work because of them.

“What entrepreneurs do is create businesses that aren’t about providing themselves with a job. Their sole purpose is to create a product or service that will have meaning for its customers – something that will change someone’s life for the better. What people find is they may have got rid of the 18 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

boss and now they’re working for a lunatic – themselves.”

To be successful every person needs to develop the four qualities of an entrepreneur the dreamer (what), thinker (how), storyteller (who and why) and the leader (tactical how), and it is these four qualities that make an entrepreneur, he says.

So Gerber has developed The Dreaming Room™, a 12-week programme that encourages people who are in business, who want to start a business, or who are struggling with what they want to do with their lives; those who are simply stuck. During this time, participants unlock the doors and knock down barriers that have been built up, to develop their true dream and awaken the entrepreneur within.

Although The Dreaming Room process is standardised, what is not are the results, he says. “Every single one of them will have a different dream. It can be emotional and terrifying at times but the results are miraculous. But just because it is an emotional process doesn’t mean that it’s an excuse not to do it.”

“

What entrepreneurs do is create businesses that aren’t about providing themselves with a job. Their sole purpose is to create a product or service that will have meaning for its customers – that will change someone’s life for the better.

– Author and entrepreneur Michael Gerber

selling was a system. I constantly challenged Bob and invented a system he could use effectively. It was a scripted process. What needs to happen is you need to invent that process. You can bring a relative novice in to a company and get them to sell.

Gerber’s track record in providing business owners with skills and processes that see their “The system was a solution. You can do the businesses succeed is possibly unrivalled. same with a management system, marketing system or any type of system you require in But it didn’t start out that way. Gerber was your business.” a contractor who had himself suffered an entrepreneurial seizure. In the 1970s he That was how he got into the business of was asked by a friend, who owned a small fixing broken businesses. What led from there advertising agency, to visit a client who was was extraordinary. He created an empire struggling with converting the leads he was writing business coaching books including getting as a result of his marketing, into sales.

The E-Myth and The E-Myth Revisited which have sold millions of copies throughout the “I didn’t know anything about the business world. His companies have assisted tens of except that it was high tech. What I found thousands of small business owner-clients was that Bob (the owner) didn’t realise that

”

around the globe and at 76 there are no signs of him slowing down.

“I never get sick of it, I could never get tired of it – because it empowers people to fulfil their potential by improving the world they live in.

Each and every one of us can produce a result for this world they live in, a result which is uniquely their own.”

He is the true testament that if you develop the skills of an entrepreneur, you can succeed.

If you continue to work in your business rather than on it – you won’t.

The Dreaming Room is soon to be launched in New Zealand where participants can unlock their aspirations and develop their entrepreneurial qualities by awakening the entrepreneur within. To find out more visit www.michaelegerbercompanies.com

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News | Business Growth

New Zealand businesses need to collaborate to be part of the Christchurch rebuild Two years after the devastating earthquake, the Canterbury rebuild is finally set to gain momentum this year and a recently launched initiative will help businesses across New Zealand make the most of the opportunity.

Based outside Canterbury, Collaborate Canterbury is a project helping to connect businesses in the construction sector, with Christchurch companies already involved in the rebuild. The project’s website provides a portal where companies can register and be matched with Christchurch businesses looking for skills, labour and resources.

Collaborate Canterbury spokesperson and CEO of the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce, Peter Townsend says it is critical for Christchurch, and the rest of the country, that companies work together. This could be in the form of supply agreements,

joint ventures, secondments, partnerships, outsourcing, acquisitions or sub-contracts.

“We know it just doesn’t work when companies come into Christchurch cold and want to be involved in the rebuild. They have to have a local entity that has the contracts and relationships in the marketplace,” he adds.

“By working together, the Christchurch company can unlock the door to the rebuild opportunities, while the external company allows the local business to build scale and increase its capacity.

“When you look at the enormity of this rebuild, we know locally we do not have the available resource to do this on our own. We need and want businesses across the country to come in and work with us.”

“Being associated with a Christchurch company that has an enviable reputation, built up over 40 years, instantly gives us credibility “The arrangement also provides us with a super slim cost structure,” he says. “The less you have to spend, the more competitive you will be and the better that will be for all concerned.”

Part of the joint venture is the sharing of infrastructure, building and staff resources.

The arrangement provides both companies the ability to deliver a broader range of services. It also means they are able to tender for larger contracts, jobs that individually they could not have fulfilled before.

“The more we work the JV, the more clarity and benefit we are getting around it,” Macindoe says.

Instant credibility

Online assistance

Auckland based Wilson & Macindoe, an architectural hardware specialist, is reaping the benefits of its partnership with long established Canterbury business, Ross Galt Lock and Alarm.

The Collaborate Canterbury website is the portal to connect companies. It features a database matching service helping to connect companies who need skill labour and resources with other companies who can provide this.

The joint venture (JV) between the two companies came into effect in October last year and Wilson & Macindoe director, Scott Macindoe knows his company could not have had the presence in the Canterbury market they now enjoy without the joint venture.

“When the rebuild takes off, we want companies to be ready and we want them to have explored all the possible models available to them to increase their workforce and resources,” Townsend says.

Collaborate Canterbury is jointly managed by the Canterbury Development Corporation and the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce. Partners Anderson Lloyd Lawyers, Lane Neave Lawyers and PwC provide the commercial, legal and financial advice, which is available on the website.

It also features case studies of businesses that have entered into a variety of working relationships, and offers advice on how to make a business relationship work for both parties.

Register with Collaborate Canterbury online www.collaboratecanterbury.org.nz

News | Recreation

White water sledging gets the thumbs up River sledging down Queenstown’s Kawarau River has been named first in the water adventures category by world travel leader Lonely Planet.

Featured in a glossy new coffee table book, Lonely Planet Great Adventures, author Ben Fogle cited the activity as his “best” waterbased adventure.

He says it rated alongside phenomenal other experiences such as rafting the Amazon River and kayaking with orca whales in British Columbia.

Queenstown companies Serious Fun River Surfing and Frogz White Water Sledging are the only two operators on the Kawarau River and both pioneered river sledging in New Zealand in the late 1980s.

Serious Fun River Surfing managing director Neil Harrison says it was an amazing compliment for river surfing to have been chosen alongside some of the world’s best adventure activities.

“The fact that a publication as influential as Lonely Planet chose us as number one in the entire world is huge for us. We and the Milford Track are the only two New Zealand activities included in the book which makes it an even bigger achievement.

“We’ve long known that river surfing is the best adventure you can have in the water and now the rest of the world knows too.”

Author Ben Fogle raved about white water sledging in Queenstown, encouraging readers to get up close and personal with the white water activity so the river could “have its wicked way with you”.

“The river speeds you past standing waves until at last you feel the confidence to take on some of these monsters,” he says.

“Approaching the next rapid, you turn the board, reversing into the wave. As you hit it, you kick like an Olympic swimmer and suddenly you’re atop the wave, surfing it, even if only for a couple of seconds.

“Exhausted, relieved and energised, your emotions as turbulent as the river. You may never raft again after this.”

Serious Fun’s story began in 1989 when Jon Imhoof, a backpacker from Hawaii, started taking friends body boarding on the Kawarau River. The company has grown ever since and in 2010 became the first white water boarding company in New Zealand to achieve Qualmark status.

Serious Fun now has more than 16 guides and staff and host daily trips twice a day, offering the longest grade four rapid river surfing experience in New Zealand.

The Lonely Planet accolade comes in the same month Serious Fun River Surfing was named as one of the top activities to do in Queenstown by the New York Post.

Frogz White Water Sledging is a pioneer in the industry and runs a similar experience on the Kawarau River using sledges rather than surf boards. It operates daily trips from Wanaka and Queenstown and has been operating since 1991.

The book Lonely Planet Great Adventures is available around the world and can be purchased online at http://shop.lonelyplanet. com/world/great-adventures/.

About Serious Fun Led by the world’s best trained and qualified guides, Serious Fun River Surfing operates on two sections of the historic Kawarau River; Chinese Dog Leg and Roaring Meg. Blessed with many different features, the trips ‘blow the mind’ with their beauty and intensity.

Pristine waters, sheer drop cliffs, fast flowing

rapids, and wicked rock jumps challenge the nerves as clients surf standing waves, ride whirlpools, or play on eddie lines.

About Frogz Using experienced guides to navigate and read the river, Frogz White Water Sledging operate daily trips from Wanaka and Queenstown. With more than 14 years in the business of White Water Sledging it offers trips on the mighty Kawarau River, which provides New Zealand’s largest commercially-run White Water. www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 21

News | Tactics

Happy days Creating a healthy working environment

By Davina Richards

Some things in the business world can be controlled, and other things cannot. But if there’s one area which requires attention, it is the importance of creating a good working environment so you’re getting the most out of your employees and the best out of your business.

The working environment can significantly affect productivity in the workplace – aspects such as stress, bullying, favouritism, being underpaid, not being heard, not being appreciated, being overworked and even not being given enough work, are all factors in creating an unhappy working environment.

“

Employees are the greatest asset to a thriving business; if you want reliable, trusted and loyal workers then attention to detail with a practical solution is the key.

Employees are the greatest asset to a thriving business; if you want reliable, trusted and loyal workers then attention to detail with a practical solution is the key.

It is in the business owner’s/manager's best interest to look after its employees because as the saying goes, “Those at the top of the mountain didn’t fall there”.

Open environment Communication is the key to successful business and simply saying “hello” in the morning is a good start. If you are too work focused and employees are forced to work alongside each other in complete silence throughout the day, they will soon feel awkward, effectively creating an uncomfortable atmosphere leading to individuals feeling isolated and ignored.

Ensure opinions and ideas can be expressed freely; workers need to know how important their role is in a business to make them feel like a valued member of the company.

The office is a mix of personality and characters and somewhere in the bag there is insightfulness and an abundance of ideas. But if you can’t talk about them, potential ideas will lead nowhere; so unlock knowledge and share it among employees.

Workers should be able to approach managers or senior staff members to talk openly about their problems, concerns, ask questions or seek advice with confidence. It is the employer’s responsibility to listen and take action to ensure the employee’s needs are met.

Likewise, if a problem arises between employer and employee, resolve issues by talking them through with that person directly. Whether it is a disagreement on a project, a lack of communication, blame, disrespect, conflicting concepts or goals, try not to bottle it up.

Depending on the nature of the problem, try not to resolve issues through email – it’s not effective problem solving and most of the time is misinterpreted. You can’t read the tone of an email and many people assume the content adopts a negative tone – if in doubt pick up the phone, or talk about it face to face.

Growth and value Employees don’t just come into work to occupy desk space or achieve the ‘employee of the month’ award (though it’s a good start). They actively work to channel their skills, nurture creativity, individuality and challenge themselves.

Employees who feel they can’t make personal development, breeds resentment, low self-esteem, stress and lack of enthusiasm, meaning they won’t feel committed and won’t hesitate to look elsewhere.

Encourage individuals to take on more responsibilities to allow them to branch

22 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

”

out, think creatively and discover new abilities. Offering the opportunity to build on skills and learn new ones will show them you want them to be the best that they can be. Courses and training exercises will make them feel there’s a ladder of opportunity to climb.

The right balance There’s nothing worse than being in a job you either love (or loathe) and not being able to enjoy it. Allow workers to take pleasure in what they do, while still maintaining work activity. The balance of scales will ensure a healthy working environment.

To reduce stress and tiredness, allow workers to engage in laughter and conversation among colleagues, and allow them to breathe in a bit of fresh air by going for short walks during break time. You’ll be amazed at how this can transform the whole environment from stressful and exhausted to productive and focused.

Laughing and engaging in conversation now and again helps to break up the working day and avoid feeling like a zombie.

For physical, mental and social benefits in the workplace, break a smile, laugh a little, allow interaction and in turn, discover a happy work place where everyone benefits, especially the business.

Quick tips to creating a better workplace • Keep lines of communication open – help to make employees feel valued in the team and take their ideas on board, even if they’re not the best you’ve ever heard. Be clear about problems or issues and never forget to listen • If you want faithful employees, let them know they have the opportunity to grow within the business • Be professional but enjoy the work you’re doing. Make sure workers enjoy coming in to work in order to achieve a productive and engaged work force • Flexibility, give and take, shows employees you are prepared to meet half way to help improve areas in the working environment. Find neutral ground to achieve the best out of employer and employee relationships • If you want to trust employees, expect nothing less than the best from them; flattery will make sure they don’t let you down • Appreciation – it can be as simple as picking up the phone to say “thanks for all your hard work this week” to giving a pay rise to those who have been loyal to the company and excelled in their work. Recognition will make workers feel valued, boost their moral and make them feel happy within the company.

Connecting New Zealanders to the world The twentieth century has been full of technological miracles; what was once science fiction has become a reality. It would not have been much more than two decades ago that the words, Google, broadband and Facebook, did not exist.

But as technology advanced, more and more things have cropped up in the cyber world – information can be found in the blink of an eye and data can be stored in the “cloud”.

Today you can see and talk to a person living across the other side of the world; you can even do your groceries with a plastic card through your computer.

From here to there For Kiwis today, this range of technological innovation is only accessible thanks to the Southern Cross Cables Network; a network made up of almost 30,500 kilometres of cable, including 28,900 kilometres of submarine cable.

It is these cables that link New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Hawaii and the US mainland in a giant ring, with another cable linking the two landing stations in Hawaii; creating a network of cables in the shape of a figure eight.

be available by the much lower capacity Southern Cross quick satellite and the Tasman Two. This would severely affect other aspects such as • Construction began: 1998 banking and finance that are reliant on • Construction finished:2000 overseas connectivity.”

• First traffic: 2000

Through these fast, high capacity fibre optic cables, New Zealanders are able to connect speedily and regularly to the world wide web. This complex network of pipes connects New Zealanders to a range of online information and services such as YouTube videos, email, Google, Facebook, Twitter and even role-playing games such as the ever-popular World of Warcraft.

An ever expanding network

• Built by: Alcatel-Lucent/Fujitsu

Construction of the Southern Cross network first began in March 1998 and was fully completed on February 28, 2001, costing $1.3b (USD). Since its creation the network capacity has undergone a number of major upgrades and expansions from the original 20Gbps in November, 2000. The current expansion will increase the total network capacity to two terabits per second from December, 2012.

• Area Served: South Pacific

Southern Cross’ director of sales and marketing, Ross Pfeffer points out that without this network of cables “broadband internet in New Zealand would not exist”.

And Ross says the future will only hold more expansions and improvements of the network. “Southern Cross will continue to upgrade and expand its “Southern Cross is the only way New capacity as demand increases and will Zealanders get access to offshore take advantage of new technology content. While satellite and an older efficiencies as they arise. This ensures fibre cable, the Tasman Two, exists, the that there is more sufficient capacity capacity limitations make them unviable to meet New Zealand and Australia’s as a reasonable alternative,” he says. demand growth for the considerable “Without Southern Cross, internet in future.”

New Zealand would be severely limited; access to offshore content would only

facts

• Owners: 50 per cent owned by Telecom New Zealand, 40 percent

by Singtel and 10 percent by Verizon business.

Southern Cross Cables For information about Southern Cross product options and what will work best for your organisation contact: Southern Cross Cables Ross Pfeffer Director Sales and Marketing T (04) 496 3248, (04) 499 7232 www.southerncrosscables.com

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News | Learnings

Laying down the law Navigating the employment law minefield Employment bungles can result in costly fines, unwanted media coverage and stress. Employment law expert and partner at Chen Palmer law firm, Susan Hornsby-Geluk explains the common errors SME owners make, and importantly what can be done to prevent finding themselves on the wrong side of the law.

What are the most common mistakes SME owners make when it comes to employment law?

The most common issues I see are around process. Employers without a dedicated HR function are often unaware that the law requires them to follow certain processes, particularly when it comes to disciplining employees or conducting restructures. A failure to follow these procedures can result in personal grievances, and unfortunately ignorance of the law is no defence.

What processes can SME owners put in place so that staff are aware of expectations?

The key building block is a legally compliant employment agreement and a good job description. If you don’t have these you’re in breach of the law. You can include a 90 day grievance-free trial period which can be an effective tool for a smaller employer.

The second thing is to have a good code of conduct that sets out your expectations clearly and concisely. All employees should be required to sign off that they have been provided with a copy of the code of conduct and understand its terms, so they cannot claim that they were unaware of their employer’s expectations later.

The last, and most important thing, is to communicate with your people. I find that employers often shy away from having difficult conversations with employees and let minor inappropriate behaviours continue. Problems then compound because the employee hasn’t been told that their behaviour is inappropriate, until it reaches a point where the employer can’t tolerate them any longer. And that’s when things can go badly wrong.

What risk do SME owners take if they take no action when an HR problem is brought to their attention?

They’re going to face lost productivity, reduced engagement amongst staff, and they

may also lose the opportunity to nip the issue in the bud. If matters are allowed to fester, they inevitably escalate and may reach the point of no return when, if they had been addressed early, they may have been able to be resolved. The worst case scenario is that employers face a personal grievance, which can potentially cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, unwanted publicity, not to mention hours of management time.

What rights do employers have if employees are not complying with boss’s instructions?

Provided that the employer’s instruction is both lawful and reasonable, and the employee clearly knows what’s required of them and is still choosing not to do it, then the employer has the right to commence disciplinary action. Following a fair process, this could ultimately result in the dismissal of the employee. However, the process is important and the employer does need to listen to what the employee is saying and why they’re not following the instruction.

What steps should you take if you want to suspend and later dismiss an employee?

It is actually a more complex process than you would think. As a bare minimum, to discipline an employee you need to: • Investigate the allegations thoroughly • Advise the employee of the specific allegations they’re facing, the possible consequences and the right to be represented • Give them an opportunity to provide their explanations and responses in front of a decision maker who is free from bias and predetermination • Give them an opportunity to be heard on the proposed course of action.

Best practice is to record all of this in writing as you go.

To lawfully suspend an employee, generally you need a specific provision in the

28 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

“

failure to follow these procedures can result in personal grievances, and unfortunately ignorance of the law is no defence.

- Chen Palmer parter, Susan Hornsby-Geluk

employment agreement allowing this. You are required to consult with the employee before making any decision to suspend, and should give the employee an opportunity to seek advice before they provide their feedback.

Suspension is an area where employers often get the process wrong, so the best advice is to seek help early on.

As a starter for ten, many employers assume that if they send an employee home, but continue to pay them, they are simply on special paid leave rather than suspended.

In reality there is no difference, and if an employee is required to remain away from the workplace – without their consent – this is a suspension.

What are the key points to remember regarding the 90-day employment trial period?

Make sure you have a legally compliant clause drafted into your written employment agreement for a start. There have been cases even recently where an employer has sought to rely on a non-compliant trial period, only to find they’ve left crucial wording out.

”

Secondly, make sure that the prospective employee signs the employment agreement well before they commence employment. The trial period won’t take effect if the employee signed the agreement after they’ve already started work, even if it’s five minutes into their first day.

Lastly, if you’re dismissing an employee during the trial period, make sure you do so before the end of the 90th day. And if the employee asks, you should give them reasons for their dismissal. Ideally the employee should not be surprised by your decision.

How can employers prevent themselves from getting into legal wrangles?

The best thing to do is to take advice when you’re setting up your business from someone who specialises in this area. Getting good employment agreements and policies in place will lay a solid foundation. Taking courses about employment obligations can also be a good idea.

Lastly, if you think things could possibly go bad or you are not sure about what to do, take advice early. A few dollars spent now can save you thousands later.

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News | Lifestyles

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iWant iPhone 5 Apple has rolled out yet another little stunner with the iPhone’s fifth incarnation.

By Davina Richards

Slimmed down to a measly 7.6 millimetres thin, it has the 4-inch Retina display, an A6 chip for fast performance, ultrafast wireless technology, sapphire crystal lens, an aluminium casing and the iSight camera.

It’s faster, brighter and increased battery life means it lasts longer. Although sporting a larger screen, it’s classically sleek and slim Apple and available in white and silver, or black and slate.

Flux chair

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What’s flat, weighs less than five kilograms, supports up to 160 kilograms and is available in eight different colours? Flux Chairs has taken inspiration from the ancient art of origami and brought us these flexible and stylish seats which fold out in less than 10 seconds. Made of weather-proof polypropylene so you can use them indoors and out, they’re light enough to carry and have built-in handles for use on the move.

Go on, be the first to start the trend.

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30 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

This fantastic light-weight moisturising body oil allows you to get that natural shimmering glow minus the streaky lines and greasy mess. It has a dry finish with a long-lasting bronze shade to make you look simply radiant. Now all you need to do is dig out that gorgeous summer dress you’ve been hiding in your cupboard all winter.

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News | Lifestyles

Enamel loft lightshade

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This aftershave moisturiser contains natural ingredients to ensure smooth skin and solid sun protection, with its mineral UVA and UVB blockers. With no residue it leaves a matte finish after application. Bread & Butter provides only the necessary products every man needs and this is one of them. A simple and effective skincare routine for men - you’ll be converted like so many others.

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Field candy Designer tents Inject a bit of colour, humour and creativity into your outdoor adventures with these designer tents from Field Candy. There’s a huge array of options ranging from an oversized watermelon, computer board, or camouflaged themed tents such as ‘the grass is always greener’. These two-man tents are ultra light, waterproof and can be set up in a matter of minutes. How do you want to stand out?

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After two decades in the doldrums vinyl is making a comeback. And what better way to embrace this than with this stunning turntable that’s as much art as it is audio. Say hello to the Innovation turntable - a masterpiece of engineering, delivering powerful, high performance sounds due to its accuracy and stability. Its stylish body is made from aluminium skin and includes an aluminium tone arm. It’s a high-end turntable which hovers above the rest. If you value vinyls you can trust that Clearaudio Innovation Compact will deliver pleasure to your ears.

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32 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

News | Editorial Special

Staying ahead of the game

By Davina Richards

A successful business will reach its full potential as long as its function behind the scenes isn’t hindered.

Being unorganised holds too many pitfalls and distractions and becomes problematic for both company owners and employees.

The key is to focus on your organisational skills. It will take practice and patience, but your business will reap the rewards and you might end up with more time to enjoy life outside of work.

How many times have you read scribbled down phone numbers with no hint in sight as to whom it belongs to, the entire edge of your computer screen fixed with colourful messages, your computer is as slow as a traffic jam because your inbox is inundated, and paperwork is piled up sky high on your desk? Sound familiar?

Some might call it organised chaos, and some might says it’s a necessary malfunction, either way, not knowing where to look for information leads to unnecessary searching that wastes time, money and effort. Time is money, as they say.

One way to sustain mental clarity and productivity is by making sure your office is structured.

Develop the habit of using planners and calendars, and set reminders on your phone or computer. Make sure your computer files are cleared out, your diary is updated and you act on important messages with a sense of urgency. Maintaining control of incoming and outgoing communication will produce more effective results which will ultimately benefit your business.

Visual clutter can quickly mount up, and can directly affect the way you work mentally.

Your ability as an efficient and productive worker, who can problem-solve and make decisions is decreased, creating unwanted pressure and stress.

Being orderly means you can use time effectively to address areas of your business which need it the most. Prioritising urgent issues and dealing with them as soon as possible will allow you to invest time into the backbone of your business, such as managing finances, logistics, strategic planning, marketing and networking.

Now we’ve entered in to the year 2013, it’s time to tame the wilderness and not get bogged down this year. Being more proactive will see your business flourish and reach maximum potential.

Remember there is an important lesson to learn; you didn’t make all this effort to accumulate more clutter. The hardest lesson is trying to keep it that way.

• Have a day to day checklist. Write down all your daily tasks and make sure you complete them before the day comes to an end. By accomplishing tasks during the day, you’ll feel lighter on the shoulders when you arrive home

up of dirt and dust by using disinfectant wipes to clean your phone, computer, keyboard and desk. Being physically organised means being mentally organised • Create a filing system for incoming mail and paperwork. Colour code or label them so you can prioritise. This way you can run your fingers swiftly to the file you need and not waste time looking under sheets of paper or scrambling under the desk to find important paperwork • A little calendar planning – it doesn’t have to be flashy. Business activities are on-going and it’s hard to remember all of them. Be realistic and keep a diary and calendar to schedule in, and remind yourself of important events, deadlines, appointments, meetings, business trips, projects, corporate events, special occasions, etc • Whatever arrives on your desk leaves the desk on the same day. When you receive mail, open and process it straight away.

Whatever it is, deal with it, save it in a suitable file, or throw it away • Keep a pen and pad by the side of your phone, so when you receive any messages, you won’t need to fuss around. Remember to write down a name to go with the number and try to attend to the matter as soon as possible • Organise your computer – create new folders to categorise files or put a filter on your inbox. It will save you time and enable you to respond and act on important issues quickly and efficiently. Reduce the number of desktop icons to avoid cluttering and try to keep it that way • Be prepared. Try to organise a work list for the following day by writing notes the evening or night before. For many people, being prepared the night before allows their mind to process what needs to be done during the night and wake up clear-headed in the morning. Starting the day with a good sense of direction helps to complete daily tasks • When you start a project, finish it. There’s nothing worse than juggling several projects simultaneously and having a mountain of unnecessary workload, not to mention the build up of frustration • Attend organisational skills training courses.

Learning key points will help you to manage your business in an orderly fashion and generate positive results.

Why organisation makes for good business

Organisation can highly improve production, • De-clutter the office and simplify your space. growth and success but you have to stay on top of it before you let it affect your business, Try not to hold onto things; put old mail, including the people involved. Think carefully junk mail, and materials which don’t serve you, in to the recycling bin. Prevent the build about why organisation is important and

“

Concentrate on areas of your company which will contribute the most value to your business.

what measures you can take to ensure your business maintains its core value.

When an office is not maintained, information can easily get lost and wrong information can be passed on. This means employees on the receiving end are unable to carry out tasks or projects efficiently. Your organisation may be misguided and it could lead to clients being left hanging, frustrated, and eventually talking about their dissatisfaction. This can be costly to your company and its reputation.

Make sure paperwork is organised to provide accurate information is available as and when needed.

Missing an important meeting could stump your business development.

Business meetings serve a purpose in that your team can gather to receive new information, address issues, make decisions, track work progress, share ideas, and strengthen bonds. To avoid this slip up which could potentially put an unwanted dent in your bank account, always have a reminder of upcoming meetings.

Keeping track of business contacts is important when it comes to networking and driving interest to your company. If you don’t keep an updated list you will be unable to connect with the right people who have the potential to strengthen the business and could provide real value, depth and insight in to your company. It’s who you know, not what you know, as the saying goes.

Good business runs smoothly when dayto-day tasks or projects have been thought through. Business owners should be meticulous with their workload to help direct and guide employees, after all, ongoing attention to detail equals good management

”

and employees look up to management to lead the way. In doing this means that your workers can come in to work, understand what they need to do and do it well. Keep your business moving in the right direction.

Unfinished projects – King Solomon once said, "So Solomon built the house and finished it." Working under time restraints can be challenging for any business but when projects miss deadlines and are delayed, you lose value of your business.

You can potentially lose a big return on your investment and your client will quickly move on to another business to fulfil its needs. It would be useless to give a key to a homeowner whose house doesn’t have a front door. When you start a project, see it through and finish it on time.

Planning for disaster – not only is it important to make sure that all your files, contacts lists, and computers are regularly checked and updated, it is important to back up all copies of data, including staff lists in cases of emergency. If you lose records, it will damage your company by interrupting business operations, causing delays and cost you a lot of money to repair. Technology is a valuable resource, back it up and put recovery policies in place.

Concentrate on areas of your company which will contribute the most value to your business. Identify areas which need attention and avoid allocating time and resources to unnecessary business functions. Plan ahead and research thoroughly to prioritise and make executive decisions which will make a big impact on your business. This also includes one of your most valuable assets – your employees. They could make the difference between success and failure. www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 33

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News | Property

100,000 cheap houses over 10 years?

I have 10 questions

By Olly Newland

No one could argue against the idea mooted at the Labour Party Conference; 100,000 extra houses targeting first home buyers to be built over the next 10 years would be a great thing indeed.

But I have a few questions…

1.

The idea requires 10,000 new houses to be built every year. Where is the man power going to come from? Builders are flat out dealing with the Christchurch rebuilding for many years to come. Are we going to import more tradesmen from Asia? Who will build the houses for those who do not qualify to be first home buyers?

2. The idea is that the completed houses will cost $300,000 land and buildings.

Take out the GST component and the true cost will be $255,000 land and buildings.

Take out the land, the infrastructure, the drainage, the footpaths, roads, power, water supply, transport, schooling, and shops you will have nothing left to pay for the timber, steel, appliances, carpets, paint, tiles, concrete, drapes, wiring, plumbing, heating, insulation, gardens, and fencing.

If this calculation is wrong would somebody please supply the detailed figures?

3. The idea also says that anyone buying one of these homes must keep them for five years or be “penalised’ financially.

What happens if the new owner loses his job and can’t keep up the payments and needs to sell up?

4. What happens if the buyer dies before five years is up? Can their beneficiaries cash out without penalty?

9.

If they sell after five years will they be taxed on any profits? (bound to be a profit considering the cheap entry level)

10. Buyers must provide their own deposits. What if Mummy and Daddy give them the deposit. Will there be a special government department set up to monitor the buyer’s finances?

On another note; there are cheap homes available for delivery right now and all NZ built. Why not use them?

Greens sprinkle fairy dust The Greens have proposed a housing policy designed to work with Labour’s ‘KiwiBuild’ plan to build 100,000 government-built new homes in 10 years. The plan would allow these new home occupants to buy them back progressively from the government.

I don’t have a big concern about what the Greens propose because it’s only the current State Housing policy dressed up with a little fairy dust to give it some flavour.

The question of course is whether it can be achieved, how much land will be gobbled up, who pays for the infrastructure (roads, sewage, power, schools, transport etc) and does the quoted cost of $300,000 include the land and GST? I suspect it does not, which starts to make the exercise very expensive indeed.

5. What happens if a couple divorce? Who gets what?

The other ideas they have are straight out of the lunatic fringe.

6. What happens if they have several children and need more room?

A w.o.f. for properties sounds fine but how about a w.o.f. for tenants?

7.

Tenants should not be allowed anywhere near a rental without an official clear bill of financial health produced well before they come within firing range.

What happens if they move out for whatever reason, and rent the property out? Are they penalised then?

8. Can people who have had a previous relationship and are now without a home, qualify as first home buyers?

What is good for the goose is good for the gander.

Olly Newland

Property Consultant Impartial, expert guidance

For an obligation-free session with Olly, call: 0800 66 22 80 36 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

“

I don’t have a big concern about what the Greens propose because it’s only the current State Housing policy dressed up with a little fairy dust to give it some flavour.

”

And this idea that rents should be limited to one year reviews and automatic rights of renewal would be fine if long term property investment was encouraged and not discouraged as it is at present.

The main reason of course is that there is a general shortage of rentals and no matter how low interest rates go, investors face higher and higher costs besides the lost depreciation e.g insurance premiums.

The parties from the left have done nothing else in the past four years but threaten investors who provide rental accommodation with talk about capital gains tax, limiting LVRs, and more regulation under the Tenancy Act.

This will become a political issue soon enough, along with the related issue of rising house prices. All these are but the hazards of the game.

Looks like election year 2014 has started early.

There is only one way to react: Keep calm and carry on.

The rise and rise of rents I predicted the rise in rents in my columns nearly two years ago, brought on by the tightening house market and the removal of some depreciation tax breaks that investors used to have.

With more than 45 years in the property game, Olly Newland provides a consulting and mentoring service for people committed to making serious progress with property investments… whether it be buying, selling, holding or troubleshooting. If you’re interested in knowing more, visit Olly’s webpage at www.ollynewland.co.nz

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Recreation | Smuggler Marine

By land or sea – a boat for all occasions

Driving up onto the beach allows guests to disembark without getting their feet wet

An Auckland based boat building company has become the first licensee of the Sealegs patented, amphibious, boating technology.

Smuggler Marine has used this system of hydraulically retracting wheels and paired it with its proven Strata 750hull to create a new amphibious vessel – the Smuggler Strata 770.

At its initial launch during last September’s Auckland on Water Boat Show, the new Smuggler Strata, paired with the Sealegs technology, caught many a boat enthusiast’s eye.

Smuggler Marine’s reputation for paying close attention to detail is well known within the boating industry and its latest creation was no exception.

With its sleek design and versatile transportability this newcomer to the boating scene promises its owners a worthy ride. It is the ideal boat for those looking to go fishing, diving or for a day trip out to a nearby island.

The boat can go up to 10 kilometres per hour on land, making it transportable for short distances across the beach and even for short distances on the road.

Less hassle, more fun

Pauline points out that for those with a With room for up to 12 people, the Smuggler beachfront property, or one close to the Strata 770 is the perfect size for a small family beach, owning a Strata 770 will remove the celebration or company event. hassle of owning a trailer. The maintenance fees and ramps associated with trailers Sand or sea will become a thing of the past for Strata Smuggler Marine director Pauline Pringle says 770 owners. it is the boat to have, for people in need of a “It is also a safer way of launching the boat, versatile, practical way to go boating. as you can go in bow first rather than stern Pauline says the retractable wheels enable first and reduce the risk of waves getting into the boat to be driven straight out of the water the boat.”

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38 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

onto a beach or boat ramp. “It is an easy way to get on and of the beach. It is the easy way to go boating.”

At a cost of $200 - $250,000 the Strata 770 is not for those with a light pocket, but for boating enthusiasts it is certainly money well spent.

In the beginning Founder and managing director of Smuggler Marine, David Pringle made his foray into the boating industry at the tender age of 14. He first began by building Sabot racing dinghies and served as an apprentice with the Salthouse Brothers at Greenhithe.

During the years David became known for his ability to fix anything and with his reputation his business slowly grew into the brand David Pringle Boat Builders. Eventually the company changed its name to Smuggler Marine Ltd, to coincide with the launch of its first Smuggler trailer boat.

Recreation | Smuggler Marine

Accolades Smuggler Marine has reaped in the gold for its hard work with numerous awards during the years…

People’s Choice Award 2007 and 2006 Smuggler Marine was awarded the Propeller Magazine People’s Choice award at the 2007 New Zealand Boat Show for the new Smuggler Stealth 720XS -Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show awards * 2006 Smuggler Stealth 720Xs best allpurpose 6-7 metre category * 2007 Smuggler Stealth 695 HT – best all purpose 6-7metre * 2009 Smuggler Stealth 695 Sport best fishing boat 6-7 metre – the judges commented on the exceptional finish and accessories on board * 2010/ 2011 / 2012 Smuggler Multipsort 570 – best fishing boat under 6m.

BNZ Waitakere Business Awards 2006 * Best emerging small business * Product design and development awards.

David’s years of experience and his passion for what he does has transformed this company into the success it is today. Today Smuggler Marine offers a wide range of boats for all types of marine enthusiasts.

Yes we will Pauline attributes a large part of its success to the company’s ability to diversify. She says when approached with a potential problem the company endeavours to find a solution.

“We say yes we will,” she says. “When people ask us if we can do a custom finish, we say yes. We do what the customer asks of us. It is this can-do attitude that has helped to make us so successful.”

Smuggler Marine range The Smuggler range includes the popular Stealth 695 and Stealth 720. These are available in both the sport and hardtop models with the option of XS Pontoons, an exclusive Smuggler Marine design, for added stability, bouncy and practicality.

Smuggler Stealth 695 HT/XS This is a boat you can be confident will give you the best ride with its powerful Smuggler 27 degree deep vee hull, no mater what the conditions. The innovative and incredibly practical pontoons make the Stealth 695 XS an incredibly stable boat, so you get the best in ride and stability. If you want to sneak away

Retractable wheels sit in behind the tubes aft so the aesthetics of the hull are not compromised for the odd weekend, have a family day out, go fishing diving, or just play this is the boat for you.

Smuggler Marine’s purpose built factory in Waitakere City.

The Smuggler Stealth 720 Sport

This boat is an amazing performer. It has a fantastic riding hull, is safe, comfortable and incredibly stable. It is also available as a Bowrider and Multisport Centre console.

This boat screams performance and comfort.

It will get you to your destination quickly, safely, comfortably and in style. The powerful Smuggler 27 degree deep vee hull ensures an incredible ride – no matter what the conditions. This boat can have the option of XS pontoons fitted. Whether your activity of choice is fishing, diving, water sports or family outings, the Stealth 720 Sport will give you what you need.

Smuggler Kingfisher 670 The Kingfisher adds a new dimension to boating with its 200 litre fuel tank, massive cockpit, stable hull and auto anchoring. It also has full length berths, with optional toilet, gas cooker and sink.

Smuggler Sport 620 This boat has outclassed its rivals. The Auto Capstan anchoring system gives you a reason to step up from the smaller model when you’re ready. This boat will turn heads at the boat ramp.

Smuggler Bonito range The Bonito fibreglass trailer boat, produced

by Smuggler Marine, features models ranging from 5m to 6.9m, built in. They are built in

Smuggler Bonito Sting 570

Smuggler Bonito Sprint 520 The baby of the range of fibreglass boats, this one punches above its weight, boasting a large cockpit, underfloor tanks and separate anchor locker.

Smuggler Bonito Profisher 600 The new Bonito Profisher 600 Cabin is an outstanding performer, built with quality and safety throughout. There are many options available to suit, such as the new look deck with Auto Capstan anchoring system.

A cabin makeover and new graphics to complete the look, this boat will turn heads at the boat ramp

Smuggler Strata RIB range This range offers the ultimate in performance and finish. Smuggler makes a range of RIBs ranging in size from 4.5 metres to 11 metres.

Smuggler Marine’s ability to custom finish tenders for many different clients makes this range a great choice for motor yacht and superyacht tenders, trailered day boats, work boats and dive charters.

diving and water sports. Getting on and off the trailer is a breeze, and it is so light you’ll hardly notice you’re towing one. There is a range of console, seating and other options that can be customised to suit your needs. It is also made as a tender, with lifting plates, custom finishing options available.

Smuggler Strata 600 /630/ 670 This is the most popular Superyacht tender range, with many options such as inboard, Sternleg, jet or outboard engines, various console, seating, colours, graphics and covers, and the length can be custom finished to suit the owner’s requirements. It can also be trailered for day boating, fishing, diving excursions.

Smuggler Strata 750 RIB With the original Smuggler 27 degree hull, this is the ultimate ride. Finish and engine choice to suit your needs.

Smuggler Strata 850 – 1100 This RIB is an unbelievable performer, with options such as inboard, outboard and custom seating arrangements to suit.

Smuggler Strata 770 An amphibious RIB with proven Sealegs technology - the possibilities are endless.

Smuggler Marine 7 Enterprise Drive Henderson Waitakere City The Smuggler Strata 450 /490 / 520 /550 RIB Auckland The performance of this RIB is outstanding, T (09) 838 9024 with its 23 degree hull, planning strakes and E info@smuggler.co.nz water friendly design. It is suitable for fishing, www.smuggler.co.nz

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The Stealth 720XS and the Strata 770 have the same original Smuggler hull - a 27 degree deep vee design making them exceptional performers www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 39

Recreation | Recreational Services

Recreational recognition The two time winner of the supreme prize at the Westpac Auckland North Business Awards started in 1992 with just four staff members and one contract, but is today recognised as multi-million dollar company employing more than 300 staff members nationwide.

If accolades are a measure of success, then Recreational Services is heading down the right path. The Takapuna company won supreme honours at the Westpac Auckland North Business Awards for 2012 and in doing so, became the first organisation in the awards’ history to claim the prestigious title twice.

It also claimed the Babcock Excellence in Leadership Award before winning the evening’s top prize, the Westpac Supreme Business Excellence Award. The company first won the supreme award in 2000. Chairman of judges, Matthew Bellingham, who led the independent judging and evaluator panel, says the company stood out as an exceptional organisation.

Hard work and good people have propelled Recreational Services from a small turf maintenance company into one of Auckland’s leading providers of turf, park and facility management.

“We’ve only entered it twice, so it was pretty surreal,” Brett explains. “Recognition at that level is something that takes you by surprise.

You get so focused on doing what you do well that you don’t really put yourself out there like that. So, to get that accolade from the business community was quite overwhelming.

“To know we’re doing things right, business wise and on the field, is a great feeling. We cover the parks from the Auckland Harbour Bridge to Cape Reinga. That’s not a small achievement and has probably never been done before. This is an opportunity to pat ourselves on the back and let people know who we are.”

The Recreational Services leadership team decided to take up the challenge of the award

Proud to Support Recreational Services Ltd Ph/Fax: 09 278 0100 M: Simon Light - 021 644 600 W: randhengineering.co.nz E: r.hengineering@xtra.co.nz 61 East Tamaki Road Papatoetoe Auckland

process because it believed it would be of great value to benchmark performance across all levels of the business.

Director Keitha Turner explains. “We have a history of success in awards and achievements across various parts of our business as individual disciplines, but we saw this process as an opportunity to assess how we measured up as a whole against other businesses, both in New Zealand and internationally, and the chance to see whether our commitment to business excellence could be clearly seen in what we actually do, not just by what we say,” she says.

Brett adds that “We are proud of the achievement because it indicates that we are on the right path to delivering excellence to our customers and that is for us, the primary objective for our business and the key measure of our success.

“This is a great reward for all involved – more than ticking the boxes of a submission process, we really took on board all the learnings and have made significant changes throughout the company as a result.

Recreational Services fast facts • Established in 1992 • Started with just four people and one contract • Began as a golf course maintenance company • Has expanded to include amenity parks, renovations and development, sports parks, and sports surface design and management • Has a number of council contracts including Auckland North, Far North District, Kaipara, District, Masterton, Tauranga and Whangarei • Has earned a number of accolades including the 2009 New Zealand Business Achievement award, 2009 Sportsfield of the Year award, 2010 JRA Best Workplace award and the 2012 Supreme Business Excellence Award.

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Recreation | Recreational Services “It is great to have this formal recognition, but even better to know that we are now a more focused and dynamic organisation as a result of the process we went through to achieve it.”

Business background Recreational Services may have been established and recognised as a leading provider of turf, parks and facilities management, but the pinnacle of the company is its people, according to managing director Brett Turner.

“We have really good people in place and the company’s success really is because of those people. Their desire and dedication has helped us grow from a golf turf company to a leading green space management company.”

Since its establishment in 1992, the company’s specialist teams have provided turf, horticultural and asset management services to councils, schools, golf courses, stadiums, public parks and gardens across New Zealand.

“I come from a green keeping background and when an opportunity came up at the Takapuna Golf Course to maintain it, I took it and Recreational Turf (as it was known then), was born. The timing was right, as not long after, the council started contracting out other aspects of park maintenance.”

It started with just four staff and one contract, but like all good ideas, it took on a life of its own and a business was born. “It really rollercoasted from that point, we took more people onboard to cover the workload and just went from there,” Brett explains.

“We have always focused on building solid and trusted working relationships with our clients and staff and this has allowed us to keep many of the contracts we developed in those early years.”

The company has also learnt a lot from its own customers. “We’ve been lucky enough to have some really excellent customers throughout the years. The Auckland City and North Shore City councils have allowed us to understand the council way of doing things.

“If you can get an insight into the customer’s needs, it’s invaluable.”

This successful track record has propelled the family owned business into a multi-million dollar company employing more than 300 staff members nationwide.

Cameron Parr is the general manager after working as the park manager for Auckland City Council. “He loved the company culture and has fitted in nicely.”

They are supported by Michael Keith as the operations manager of the mechanical division, Linda Flanagan, who is the communications co-ordinator, Nicola Hill as the human resources manager, Joshua Hasloch the business support manager and Krystall Peng, the company accountant.

The support the company receives goes well beyond that of its staff members and directors, with supplier support another key to Brett and his wife Natalie have since been joined by Brett’s sister Keitha and her husband the company’s success.

Paul Broom. “It is simply about getting the “Every one of our directors, staff members right people in place who are a passionate and suppliers has played a significant role in about what they do and then supporting our success. We are a small company, with them with a good balance of sound business more than 300 staff members,” Brett says. systems and technology,” Brett says.

“It is critical we get the right fit for all parties. “If you don’t put those people in place early, you can’t support the business long Over the years, we have developed some non-negotiables and we have discovered that term. We’ve got the right people in place to do those jobs and they make up the most it is this shared passion and belief in those important aspect of the business, because non-negotiables that contributes to a happy, without them, you haven’t got a business. If healthy and vibrant company. you’re sending 300 guys out a day in trucks “Warwick Sisson came on board as the senior to do jobs, they must be able to do their jobs manager of sports parks almost 15 years ago, well and be self-motivated to do those jobs. after working as the groundsman at Eden Park, to look after the sports field side of the “It’s a very competitive industry and we’re business. Damon Brown is the senior manager up against some big players, but we’ve of horticulture parks and together they manage specialised in parks and that has allowed us to focus on one thing and do that really well.” the day to day running of the business.”

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www.bntnz.co.nz www.pggwrightsonturf.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 41

Recreation | Recreational Services

Recreational Services’ values The service offering and breadth of expertise has helped Recreational Services grow. But it is the customers and the way the company works with them, that has ensured its success. By working closely with their customers, Recreational Services can deliver tailor made solutions, exceptional service and high quality results.

Customer first Recreational Services’ customers, and its customers’ customers, are the lifeblood of the company. Therefore the team will do all it can to provide the service you expect and nothing you don’t – striving to go beyond your expectations.

Relationship management Recreational Services prides itself on the ability to adapt and grow its services to meet changing needs. If you work with Recreational Services, they will set up an appropriate reporting system to help manage your asset and agree on performance measures, so you can track their progress.

Communication Recreational Services has communication plans in place for every customer, so you will always remain informed and have confidence that you can speak to the people you need to, when you need to. The company also actively encourages its team – from the ‘people on the ground’ to senior management, to be confident and open communicators.

Innovation The company prides itself on thinking outside the square to deliver smart solutions for its customers. This can include everything from creating database systems for online bookings of sports parks, using technology to assist them in reviewing the regime achievement, to purchasing new types of equipment from overseas to improve the processes of the business.

Recreation | Snappercatchers Recreational requirements Recreational Services is foremost a technical based company, delivering expert advice and solutions for everything from mowing and park maintenance, to renovations, development and the design and project management of sports fields.

“It’s important to understand the customer and their needs. We like going the extra mile for our customers. Nothing is a problem for us, we will try our hardest to do something and that counts for our management right down to the guys on the ground. We are professionals in our area.”

The real challenge for companies operating within the turf and horticultural industry today, Brett says, is offering a service while everything is under pressure.

“The dollar is under pressure with councils, businesses and schools working hard to make every dollar count. Every dollar has to be accounted for and spent wisely. This means working smarter, not cutting corners - doing things more efficiently.

“We keep that in mind at all times. Our guys give us feedback to see if we can work smarter, they talk to our customers and really keep on the pulse of what’s happening with the business. It also involves being able to move with those changes as required.”

The other test of the industry is ensuring there are new, quality trainees coming through and Recreational Services has the highest number of horticultural and turf trainees in the country, proving investing in the industry is important to them.

Recreational Services 12 Silverfield Estate Takapuna Auckland T (09) 443 5011 E info@recreationalservices.co.nz www.recreationalservices.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Catch yourself a good time Snappercatchers’ boat charters offer everything you could want for a corporate team building day out of the office a great fishing experience, lots of fun, friendly service and fresh fish to take home.

Getting out on the water is a fantastic way to see a different side of Auckland and Snappercatchers will customise your experience to suit the needs of your group.

Snappercatchers’ boats Snappercatchers boat charters is run by Todd and Carrie Bennett, who offer a range of charter fishing trips, including half day, six hours or full day.

The company is based at Westhaven Marina in Auckland and takes a variety of groups throughout the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf, which have some of the best fishing in the world.

The company owns two boats. The Hinetai is a 48-foot Salthouse powered by a super carged twin turbo V8 Detroit engine and capable of cruising at 15-18 knots fully loaded.

The Hinetai is surveyed for up to 27 people, but is most comfortable with a maximum of 20 people for fishing. Because of her heavy, stable construction, few people get seasick on her. Hinetai has a large flat fishing deck and good cabin space, with plenty of room to either fish, or enjoy a cold drink or barbecue or catch up with friends.

Wild Thing is a water jet powered Cougar Kat coupled to two twin turbo international V8s.

It has a great power-to-weight ratio and can cruise up to 27 knots, delivering an exciting ride. The boat is surveyed for 14 people but comfortably fishes 12. Wild Thing is a stable vessel designed to cater easily to more serious fishing trips or more flexible day excursions to a variety of places.

^ The Hinetai offers plenty of room to fish, enjoy a cold drink or barbecue and catch up with friends or workmates.

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42 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Recreation | Snappercatchers Corporate fishing trips

Factfile Snappercatchers is the perfect choice for a wide range of fishing trips, including: • Individual’s trips • Fishing trips • Corporate parties • Team building • Stag and hen nights • Birthday parties • Party functions.

All the gear and good ideas Don’t worry if you’ve never been fishing before, all Snappercatchers skippers and deck hands are happy to help teach customers how to fish.

They will help with baiting rods and unhooking your fish or cooking your group’s barbecue.

“Corporates want to go out and have a good day and enjoy team building fun. We can go into a bay and go for a swim, have a barbecue, as well as go fishing.”

With the corporate team-building market continually growing, the Snappercatchers team will customise your day out to meet your requirements and expectations. “We offer really friendly customer service and we really take pride in that,” she says.

“We have a really good skipper who is very relaxed and helpful. We try to cater to what the group wants, and with Wild Thing we can do pick ups from the beach because she’s a jet and has shallow water access. We can do Gulf Harbour and Half Moon Bay pick ups.”

Birthdays and functions As well as catering to serious fishing trips and the corporate market, Snappercatchers also hosts social and birthday functions.

“We do stag and hen nights where they want to fish but also have some fun. We have quite a few teenager birthday parties and we can cater to that market. The Hinetai is a very child-friendly boat and it’s quite steady.”

Snappercatchers offers the perfect day out for your next team building event, work function or social party.

^

Customers can pay extra for a deck hand to accompany their trip and offer the extra customer service everyone loves, as well as providing individual time to teach new fishing skills.

Carrie says the Hinetai is Snappercatchers’ main boat for the corporate market because of her size and ability to cater to a larger group. “Wild Thing is more intimate and suited to serious fishing,” she says.

Snappercatchers Limited PO Box 884 Whangaparaoa T (09) 428 3996 Freephone 0800 AKL FISH (0800 255 347) E fishing@snappercatchers.co.nz www.snappercatchers.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Our skippers are fully qualified and have vast backgrounds of many years in the boating and fishing industry. You will find your skipper to be fun and approachable, easy going and willing to help out with all aspects of your fishing experience.

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 43

Recreation | Hunting & Fishing

Getting you into the outdoors

^ Westgate Hunting and Fishing staff member Mitch Dodd with a Kingfish he caught on a soft bait off Tiri, Hauraki Gulf.

Hunting and Fishing New Zealand’s two Auckland stores in Botany and Westgate cater to every possible outdoor requirement, from a family camping trip to serious fishing and hunting ventures.

specific to the outdoor activities popular in each region.

Hunting and Fishing New Zealand in The Hub, Botany Downs, is the largest and most comprehensive Hunting and Fishing store in New Zealand, with 1400 square metres of floor space. The store has only been located at the site for two years and is stacked full of everything customers need for the outdoors.

The custom fit-out of the premises includes the use of rustic and recycled timbers to enhance the natural feel and make shopping a pleasure.

Westgate Hunting and Fishing New Zealand is located in Cabernet Crescent, Massey North, and is owned by Mike Shepherd. The store has been located at the site for 15 years and boasts a comprehensive range for all your outdoor needs. It is the only Hunting and Fishing shop serving the north and west areas of the Auckland region.

Hunting and Fishing’s philosophy is to provide its customers with the means to pursue their passion.

Comprehensive outdoor range The first Hunting and Fishing store was opened

by Andy Tannock in Palmerston North in 1986, with 32 stores now located throughout New Zealand, including two in Auckland.

Hunting and Fishing offers a huge range of products to suit every outdoor pursuit, including hunting, fishing, camping and tramping, as well as its own range of highquality outdoor clothing designed in New Zealand to suit New Zealand conditions.

Each store is locally owned and operated, containing a well laid out selection of gear

Botany store manager Ben Staessens says Hunting and Fishing has everything required for the outdoors. “We’re not just hunting and fishing; we’re also camping and tramping. In the summer we have a full family camping and tramping range and all the accessories.”

Auckland is a unique environment for a specialist Hunting and Fishing store, with a huge saltwater fishery on both the east or west coast within an hour’s drive for most people.

Hunting big game is also accessable for those keen enough to try, while gamebird hunting is readily available and is a local tradition.

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44 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Recreation | Hunting & Fishing The total fishing package Fishing is a popular activity among Aucklanders, who are quick to make the most of the fantastic recreational facilities and products available to them.

Hunting and Fishing New Zealand stocks a huge range of fishing equipment and accessories and is staffed by keen anglers, both freshwater and saltwater.

The company knows it stocks the best performing fishing equipment available, because staff get out and use the gear themselves. They attend international tackle shows to ensure they have the latest and best in stock, while they also use the buying power of Hunting and Fishing’s 32 stores nationwide to provide customers with the best value for money.

Hunting and Fishing’s stores in Westgate and Botany cover every fishing requirement and take pride in catering to their own unique customer bases.

Ben says saltwater fishing is a huge industry in Auckland. “The recreational lifestyle is huge in New Zealand when you’re talking about fishing alone. Fishing is the most popular active sport in New Zealand, and it’s growing.”

Hunting and Fishing’s saltwater fishing product range covers:

The Westgate and Botany Hunting and Fishing stores have a dedicated fly fishing section and a comprehensive range of saltwater fishing gear, covering everything from beach to the boat and from kids’ starter sets to game gear.

• Saltwater soft bait

Growth in family camping New Zealanders are increasingly turning to outdoor pursuits and camping holidays as life becomes busier and more expensive.

Ben says in the past three years there has been a huge increase in families going

Knowledgeable staff Hunting and Fishing New Zealand’s experienced owners and staff are all passionate about the outdoors and have a huge knowledge of the recreational outdoor industry.

Botany Hunting and Fishing’s co-owners, Russell Summers and Wayne Fairhurst, both have considerable experience within the fishing, camping and hunting industries, while Westgate store owner Mike Shepherd is a keen fisherman, camper and big and small game hunter.

• Puka/deep water

• Surfcasting • Saltwater kayak ^ Westgate Hunting and Fishing owner Mike Shepherd with his snapper caught using a bottom ship lure off Flat Rock, Hauraki Gulf.

• Mechanical jigging

camping. “People are getting more into the and offers a wide range of camping and outdoor lifestyle. We find that with everyone tramping products. having less time, they’re making their free available time more valuable to them. They’re Hunting making the most of when they do have free Ben says hunting is also incredibly popular time, especially with families going camping. with the Botany and Westgate stores’ “Since the recession, not as many people are customer bases. going overseas for a holiday for Christmas Hunting and Fishing stocks one of New and New Year. The Kiwi camping trip has Zealand’s most comprehensive ranges of come back with a vengeance over the last three years. It’s transferring into the younger hunting rifles, shotguns and air rifles, as well as all the accessories needed to succeed. market as well. We all look forward to that family camping trip over the Christmas-New Several brands and models are exclusive to Year period.”

Hunting and Fishing and are factory direct

• Saltwater boat combos

Hunting and Fishing New Zealand stocks only the leading camping and tramping brands

• Saltwater general purpose

• Game fishing • Baitrunner combos • Boating accessories • Baits, lines and lures.

imports. Hunting and Fishing also stocks a comprehensive used firearm inventory.

Ben is also a keen hunter and fisherman and says all staff need to have first-hand experience of the industry. “There’s not one of us who doesn’t hunt or fish; we’re all passionate about our sport and it’s our industry,” he says.

Mike Shepherd’s team at Westgate Hunting and Fishing take every opportunity to get out there hunting or fishing to increase their local knowledge.

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 45

Recreation | Hunting & Fishing

Hunting and Fishing New Zealand stocks only top quality camping and tramping gear, including: • Tents and shelters • Bedding and sleeping bags • Camping furniture • GPS/Epirb/Radios • Packs and bags • Lighting • Cookware and coolers • Knives, compasses and multi-tools • Walking poles.

The Botany store offers an extensive hunting section and has a designated gun room, which stocks more than 200 firearms on display, including rifles, shotguns and air rifles, with a purpose built air rifle range where customers can test fire a rifle before making a purchase.

The Westgate store also has a dedicated gun room with an extensive range of new firearms on display, as well as a range of second-hand guns. Mike has completed his Remington armourer’s ticket in the United States and test fired this year’s Hunting and Fishing new Hunting and Fishing deliver a great experience due to the atmosphere in-store and the release, the Remington Versmax Sportsman knowledge of its passionate staff and has shot gun. been judged by the public (Roy Morgan Ben says duck and deer shooting equipment is Research) as providing the best customer popular at this time of the year. The company’s service in the country in the Sports Store of latest catalogue is due out in early March, with the Year awards. new items continually being released.

Pride and care is also taken in regards to A great shopping merchandising, display fitout and the theme experience and presentation of each store.

Providing excellent customer service is a core “Our customer service is a big point of focus of Hunting and Fishing New Zealand, which difference, as well as our huge range of also offers online sales of its complete range. stock,” Ben says.

A complete catalogue The national Hunting and Fishing Group has recently launched its new website, www. huntingandfishing.co.nz, which offers almost every product for sale. “We do a lot of online sales and it’s a growing part of our business,” Ben says.

Hunting and Fishing’s customer base includes everyone from single women who enjoy recreational fishing and tramping through to families and serious hunters and fishers.

“We appeal to anyone who does any outdoor activities.”

Hunting and Fishing New Zealand customers can receive the company’s comprehensive catalogue free of charge if they register online to receive it.

The Hunting and Fishing catalogue comes out three times a year and is believed to be the most widely read outdoors and sporting publication in New Zealand.

Receiving the catalogue ensures customers are kept up to date with new techniques and the largest gear, as well as any hot deals that are going.

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^ Westgate Hunting and Fishing co-owner Delwyn Shepherd with her snapper caught using a Black Magic snapper snatcher off West Auckland’s Muriwai Beach.

BOTANY & WESTGATE One of New Zealand’s leading authorities for hunting, fishing, camping and tramping information and equipment. www.huntingandfishing.co.nz

46 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Recreation | Hunting & Fishing Clothing and footwear Hunting and Fishing New Zealand in Botany and Westgate stock a wide range of outdoor clothing under its own Hunting and Fishing label. “It’s our brand and it is designed in New Zealand to specifically cater to the New Zealand market,” Ben says.

Clothing is available for men, women and children and includes jackets, tops, pants and shorts, thermal wear and clothing packs.

The Hunting and Fishing New Zealand boot selection is a complementary range covering everything from basic hiking boots through to rugged alpine boots. All have passed a rigorous selection process to ensure they contain superior features and represent excellent value for their respective price points.

In addition, lifestyle, fishing and casual footwear is stocked over the appropriate seasons. A variety of waders are available at competitive prices.

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 47

Corporate Destinations | Queenstown

The picture perfect

event destination

With an aesthetic appeal and the allure of adventure, Queenstown is a destination that delivers both form and function; with the emphasis on function. This is because the adventure, venues and breathtaking scenery on offer makes Queenstown the ideal destination to host your unique corporate event.

Whether you’re hosting a group or an individual, Queenstown operators have the expertise, support and facilities to show your guests the time of their lives. The inimitable hospitality and pristine alpine environment completes the perfect picture.

Sophisticated and cosmopolitan, adventurous and daring, majestic and relaxing - whatever your conference style, Queenstown has tailored options to suit every delegate group. But it’s the commitment from service and facility providers to ensuring every group has a remarkable experience which makes Queenstown such a popular conference destination.

and host familiarisation trips to provide a comprehensive overview of the stunning Queenstown region. Itineraries can be tailored to suit your conference requirements and to maximise your time spent in Queenstown.

Entirely independent, the bureau provides its service free of charge.

You’ll find their passion for sharing the very More than majestic best Queenstown has to offer results in a conference that will be raved about for months. It’s the adventure tourism capital, but according to Destination Queenstown chief executive, Graham Budd the town is much Unbeatable Bureau more than that.

Luckily, help is available. Queenstown’s skilled “Queenstown has always been a magnet and dedicated Convention Bureau team is here for adventurers and entrepreneurs and to assist you in planning and securing your these pioneers became the mainstay of next conference or event. An independent our adventure tourism industry. World team of conference and incentive experts, first innovations such as commercial jet the Queenstown Convention Bureau is part of boating and bungy jumping helped forge the non-profit regional tourism organisation, Queenstown’s enduring reputation as the Destination Queenstown.

‘Adventure Capital of the World’.

The team can provide you with information “Since then, the continual evolution of on travel, venues, accommodation, activities, Queenstown’s experiences has positioned us professional conference organisers and as the southern hemisphere’s premier four destination management organisations season lake and alpine resort and we’re now everything you need to know to create the rated as one of the world’s top destinations.” perfect event.

The team can also help facilitate site inspections, provide supporting marketing materials, help with bid documentation

48 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

He describes the region as simply a place of pure inspiration. “It’s surrounded by majestic mountains and a crystal clear lake.

Dusk at Steamer Wharf, Queenstown

Why host your conference or incentive event in Queenstown?

• Queenstown has an international airport with direct flights from Australian and New Zealand main centres • High quality accommodation to suit every budget and style • Excellent conference venues • Safety and security • Professional incentive organisation companies • Variety of food and wine experiences • Passionate, reliable and expert destination management companies • An unrivalled choice of inspirational group and adventure activities.

Corporate Destinations | Queenstown

“

Our vibrant, cosmopolitan town offers awardwinning food and wine, a buzzing nightlife, friendly people, cosmopolitan shopping and superior accommodation options.

Testimonials The Queenstown Convention Bureau has worked with many professional planners, organisers and committees during the years to arrange conferences, tradeshows, events and incentive packages in Queenstown. But the proof is in the testimonials.

“With four very clearly defined seasons, Queenstown has become a year round playground with a breadth and depth of experiences which ensure no two days are ever the same.”

The wider Southern Lakes region, which comprises Queenstown, Wanaka and Fiordland, is also renowned for its majestic beauty, array of world class attractions and warm hospitality, he says.

“In addition to our widely known adventure and scenic offerings, the Southern Lakes region is also home to one of the world’s great wine growing areas, several international standard golf courses, diverse ski areas, world class mountain bike parks and trails, fantastic fishing, famous walking trails and the natural wonders of Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks.”

Ease of access Queenstown has 908,000 international and 980,000 domestic visitors every year and the thick end of two million people can’t be wrong. The town’s ease of access certainly makes it an easy decision.

It’s well served by four major airlines: Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia. International flights direct from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne happen year-round and domestically there are several connections each day from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Domestic and trans-Tasman flight schedules are boosted to accommodate Queenstown’s busy winter and summer seasons. Access by road is a wonderful scenic option - drive by

Autumn Lake Hayes Queenstown car or campervan, or catch a scenic coach tour or guided limousine tour.

Exploring the town and its breathtaking surroundings is easy with plenty of transport options available. From shuttles, taxis and luxury transportation services, to rental car companies and bikes – the choice is yours.

The local bus service, Connectabus, is a great way to get around and explore the area. Routes cover Queenstown, Frankton, Arthurs Point, Arrowtown, Millbrook Resort, Lake Hayes, Remarkables Park, Queenstown Airport, Fernhill, Sunshine Bay and Wanaka.

Multi-ride day passes are available.

During the winter season there are numerous shuttle buses which operate daily from town to all of the region’s ski fields. A selection of bus companies also provide regular connections further afield to Invercargill, Dunedin and Christchurch.

Many local activity and accommodation providers offer free shuttles to and from

“With Queenstown being one of the current ‘hot spots’ for conferences, I have had the pleasure of working with Destination Queenstown on many occasions this year,” one professional conference organiser in Melbourne explains.

the town centre. There are also several scenic coach options around the region and beyond, offering smaller vehicles for tailored and intimate private trips, or coaches to accommodate larger groups. If you choose to rent a car there are plenty of companies to select from, or for a luxurious approach to travel there are a number of limousine services offering driver/guided services.

“Their expertise far exceeds just local knowledge and they have proved to be an invaluable resource on many levels.

Every query is met with an enthusiastic ‘can do’ attitude, which only makes Queenstown all that more appealing as a destination. They are a fantastic team!”

The council provides car parking spaces throughout the Queenstown Lakes District, made up of unrestricted, metered, time restricted, pay and display and leased parking spaces. There are also other public carparks provided by private companies.

The bureau team was the jewel in Queenstown’s crown, according to the events manager for a New Zealand association. “To help reach a decision if Queenstown was appropriate for this event we conducted a famil of the area,” she says.

Pure inspiration Inspiring and revitalising at any time of year, Queenstown’s spectacular lake and alpine scenery, long sunny days, outdoor lifestyle and warm southern hospitality have made it one of the world’s top visitor destinations.

The cosmopolitan four season resort has a pace to suit every style, whether you’re looking for a business event venue, an action packed adventure, quality time together, or simply a place to escape the daily grind.

“Kate put together an in-depth and relevant itinerary and accompanied us to each destination. Having conducted a large number of famils over the years, I was immediately impressed with Kate’s knowledge, enthusiasm and professional attitude. We felt like Kate had gone out of her way to host us, so the Queenstown Convention Bureau team certainly were instrumental in securing Queenstown as our chosen destination.”

From the mild to the wild, it’s no exaggeration to say you can see and do more here in a day than most do in a lifetime... and tick a few things off your bucket list while you’re at it.

Winter Festival

Voted Trip Advisor’s Number One Outdoor and Adventure Destination in the World, Queenstown has plenty of thrills to get your blood pumping, whether it be a more personal challenge like skydiving, bungy jumping or canyon swinging, or having fun with family and friends on activities like jet boating, ziplining and luging.

Fast fact

”

Queenstown has 908,000 international and 980,000 domestic visitors per year!

Continued on page 50

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 49

Corporate Destinations | Queenstown For relaxation there are a multitude of options: tee up a round of golf, explore the backcountry on foot or bike, take a boat cruise or scenic flight, sample award winning Central Otago wines and superb local cuisine, enjoy a treatment at a luxury spa, or explore the town’s many shops, galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants.

Queenstown’s world class golf facilities, dramatic lake and alpine scenery and diverse courses are a must-do for keen golfers. It’s easy to fit in a round – six options, all within 25 minutes of the town centre, range from immaculately groomed 18 hole championship courses with rugged mountain backdrops to a family friendly nine hole course and driving range.

Queenstown is also popular for bike enthusiasts, having undergone a quiet revolution to become an international cycling destination. New trails and a growing range of bike friendly products have opened up iconic landscapes and experiences for bikers looking for everything from daytime dawdling to high energy alpine descents.

The new 110km Queenstown Trail, classed as a New Zealand Great Ride, is the perfect way to explore the popular tourism spots of Queenstown Bay, Frankton, Lake Hayes, Arrowtown or Gibbston’s ‘valley of vines’. The trail network follows pristine rivers, lakes and

mountain ranges and provides easy access to some iconic Queenstown experiences, including bungy jumping, jet boating and wine tasting.

More challenging biking options around the region include road rides, heli-biking, a bike park and the southern hemisphere’s only gondola assisted mountain biking. Bike operators and rental providers offer a range of hire packages and guided tour options, whether it’s for an hour or a multi-day trip.

everywhere, many with outdoor areas. A veritable melting pot of nationalities, cultures and influences serve up tantalising menus and you can choose from traditional pub, bistro, stylish café bar, Asian, designer burgers, Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Turkish or Mexican.

Queenstown’s myriad of bars and restaurants start buzzing from late in the afternoon with people out enjoying the sunshine and the nightlife is busy, vibrant and eclectic.

Around one corner there are stylish bars and sophisticated clubs, while around the next

you’ll find Kiwi pubs and late night hot spots with funky DJs and busy dance floors.

You’ll find quirks such as a bar selling cocktails in tea pots and another where you can enjoy your drink under the stars when they open the roof. There are also two casinos and a top quality performance scene featuring local and visiting singers and musicians.

Wine tours are a great way to get an insight into the region’s epicurean culture and world renowned wines.

If you prefer getting around on your own two feet, hiking is another popular option. There’s plenty of choice around the region, from leisurely lakeside strolls to exhilarating helihiking tours and multi-day walks including the Routeburn Track - one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Queenstown is also a hot spot for those searching for a cosmopolitan experience with some of the country’s best restaurants, cafes, bars, wineries, shops and art galleries.

Innovative and award-winning indoor and outdoor cafés and restaurants offer cuisine to please every palate, from the discerning connoisseur to a group looking for a fun, relaxed meal.

Dining alfresco is the ideal way to enjoy the sunshine and you’ll find restaurants literally

Premium Chauffeured Transport | info@LSQ.co.nz | www.lsq.co.nz

(03) 441 4405

Conference Group at Tucker Beach

Welcome to Shotover Lodge!

The perfect spot for a corporate getaway...

Competitively priced we are one of the leading accommodation providers for corporate groups wanting some space and quiet time yet only 10 minutes away from Queenstown Centre.

As a special we have joined forces with Queenstown Bike Tours, offering accommodation, a day’s riding and wine tasting at Gibbston Valley which is an absolute must for any company coming to Queenstown.

There’s no better way to build a team than on bikes with wine!

Call us on 03 441 3318 or email info@shotoverlodge.co.nz.

A Golden autumn opportunity A Queenstown bed free for the night!

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Corporate Destinations | Queenstown

“

“With four very clearly defined seasons, Queenstown has become a year round playground with a breadth and depth of experiences which ensure no two days are ever the same.”

”

- Destination Queenstown CEO Graham Budd

Why not spend an afternoon at one of Central Otago’s 200 vineyards, soaking up the scenery and enjoying an award winning local pinot noir with a gourmet platter of local produce?

Year round the region features an action packed calendar of arts, cultural and sporting events, including the iconic Queenstown Winter Festival, which officially celebrates the start of the winter season, New Year’s Eve fireworks and celebrations, the month long Summerdaze festival, the NZ PGA golf championship, Arrowtown Autumn Festival and a variety of concerts and performances.

Stay Accommodation options range from budget to five-star, with holiday parks, backpacker properties and motels alongside B&Bs, international hotel chains and luxury lodges.

Whether you stay within walking distance of town or venture a little further out, you’ll find spectacular views and friendly hosts who will go out of their way to give tips on special lakeside picnic spots, wonderful trails to walk or point you in the direction of iconic local events.

wakeboarding, parasailing, rafting and kayaking on the lake and surrounding rivers. It’s also peak season to enjoy the region’s internationally renowned hiking and biking trails and there’s a range to suit all ages and abilities.

Queenstown’s dramatic change of seasons is always spectacular, but none more so than autumn. As the leaves turn in late April the landscape bursts into a blaze of reds and golds, attracting visitors, artists and photographers from around the world. While mornings and evenings are crisp, the warm days provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery and relaxed outdoor lifestyle.

From June to September each year the region transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting snow lovers from around the world with its stunning snow capped mountains, crisp blue sky days, easy access to six different skifields and range of events.

View from Skyline Complex

The region Queenstown is perfectly complemented by its surrounds – the picturesque historic goldmining village of Arrowtown and the Crown Range to the north-east, the famous vineyards of Gibbston’s ‘valley of vines’ and the Kawarau Gorge to the south-east, the pretty lakeside township of Kingston which lies at the southern end of Lake Wakatipu and the frontier town Glenorchy at the western end of the lake, which sits among the spectacular ‘Lord of the Rings’ scenery of snow capped mountains, pristine lakes, rivers and national parks.

Destination Queenstown 44 Stanley Street Queenstown T (03) 441 0702 www.queenstownNZ.co.nz

Aerial view Queenstown in winter from Bob’s Peak

— Advertising Feature

Four seasons Spring combines the best of both worlds – warmer temperatures, longer days and fresh, bright colours transforming the landscape, but there’s still plenty of snow on the mountains for great spring skiing and riding.

In summer the sun rises at 5am and sets as late as 10pm, so there’s plenty of time to get out and enjoy Queenstown’s natural adventure playground. People are out in force sunbathing on the beaches, swimming, fishing, paddle boarding, waterskiing,

corporate experiences The Auckland Bridge Climb and Bungy experience is the ideal activity for team building and conference groups, mixing adventure and spectacular scenery.

We can accommodate both large and small groups, and check in times and packages can be tailored to meet your needs.

Additional add ons are available; such as personalised group photos, Bungy upgrades for those adventurous guests, and stunt jumps by our crew.

To celebrate, head back to our base on the waterfront at the Westhaven Marina for drinks and food. The inspiring relaxed atmosphere makes it the ideal location for any function.

Auckland Bridge Climb & Bungy

CORPORATE EXPERIENCES 09 360 7748 or 0800 GO CLIMB info@aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz www.aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 51

News | Wellington Sevens

Ruck and roll It’s become the party of all parties. While it was the Hong Kong Sevens which used to be the showcase of the abbreviated game, in the past few years Wellington has grabbed top host bragging rights with both hands – providing a spectacle of sport and entertainment to match pretty much anything around.

For two days Wellington becomes the sevens capital of the world where locals and visitors join in the celebration. We talk to Hertz Sevens general manager Steve Walters about what it takes to be the host of this event and what’s involved behind the scenes.

How would you describe the Hertz Rugby Sevens to someone who has never been to it or seen it?

The Hertz Sevens is a fantastic mix of sport and entertainment. One of the best things about the tournament is that much of the entertainment is generated by the crowd; they are pretty vocal in cheering on the teams, and even more vocal in-between games singing along to songs or joining in with the entertainment. The Hertz Sevens is fun.

The event captures the spirit of the entire city; in the build-up to the tournament people are getting into the festival nature of the event and over the two days of the tournament the city transforms itself into the sevens capital of the world, celebrating rugby sevens, Wellington, and an interpretation of New Zealand’s culture that is truly unique.

What does your job entail as general manager of the Wellington Sevens?

My primary role is to oversee the tournament and ensure it’s a success on all fronts. Typically this involves ensuring the 16 international teams we fly into New Zealand and the nine international referees are well-looked after, the hosting of the tournament is up to world standard, our media obligations are delivered to a world standard (the Hertz Sevens is broadcast in 152 countries), our commercial partners maximise their relationship with the tournament and all stakeholders come out sharing in the success of Wellington being a great host and looking forward to the next one.

A key aspect of my role is to ensure the commercial success of the tournament. As the economic recession continues to bite this is a demanding aspect of the role, requiring greater effort than five years ago. Hopefully as the global presence of rugby sevens grows with its entry into the Olympic Games in 2016, there may be greater demand to be involved by global partners.

As with any event another key aspect of the tournament is problem solving, especially as we get closer to delivering the tournament itself. There are always a few unexpected situations that need resolution.

52 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Hertz Sevens general manager Steve Walters

“

The Hertz Sevens is a fantastic mix of sport and entertainment. One of the best things about the tournament is that much of the entertainment is generated by the crowd.

”

- Hertz Sevens general manager Steve Walters

How long have you been doing it for?

I was originally employed at the NZRU in 1999 as the tournament commercial manager to stage the first tournament in February 2000. This was the first rugby ever played at Westpac Stadium, with Jonah Lomu and Christian Cullen in the New Zealand team.

In 2003 the commercial management of the tournament was transferred to the Wellington Rugby Union, with it then being responsible for all main aspects of hosting and delivering the tournament. In 2007 I became general manager, and have now been so for five tournaments, with 2013 being my sixth.

What are the biggest challenges in organising this event and how do you overcome them?

A big challenge is managing an everincreasing tournament. Each year we look to do more in and around the tournament, requiring greater planning, commitment and resource. This includes activities in Wellington City building up to, during and after the

News | Wellington Sevens

tournament, so visitors have a great experience.

Olympics we’ll see the level of competition and dedicated sevens rise.

Rugby sevens entry into the Olympics means higher standards are demanded from the IRB in hosting the event, relating to all aspects such as facilities, systems, hosting, and security. We need to deliver these higher standards.

It’s important to keep the entertainment fresh as well as the vast majority of attendees have attended at least three times before.

An area taking greater focus each year is crowd management. Society as a whole is putting more focus on the role alcohol plays in our lives, including at large events. We’re very conscious of this and are doing more each year to educate fans that they should pace themselves if they choose to consume alcohol. We’re reminding all attendees to “drink like there is a tomorrow”.

How many volunteers are involved throughout the two days and where do they come from?

We’re fortunate to have over 250 volunteers provide their skills and energy. They come from all walks of life and a wide variety of backgrounds, and share in the desire to work as a team to get great results. Most of these are for the two days of the tournament, but some of these will volunteer for the months leading up to the event.

We make a special effort to look after our volunteers as they’re the lifeblood of the tournament; the majority have volunteered for multiple years with quite a few volunteering for all 13 tournaments, and now heading into their 14th year.

How do you ensure that the popularity of this event doesn’t wane?

A key ingredient is ensuring we’ve got the world’s best rugby sevens players on show.

The HSBC Sevens World Series is a great development by the IRB, ensuring most teams have contracted players that can appear around the world. With the upcoming

How closely do you work with other unions which host the event in their respective countries?

The IRB gets the host unions together from all 10 hosting countries once a year to review what’s been happening and discuss the best way forward. We partner with the Las Vegas tournament, sending the 15 core teams to the USA straight after Wellington, so we work closely with them.

We don’t have that much to do directly with the others, but have always got open channels to discuss strategies and issues.

We are keen to work more closely with the Gold Coast tournament staged in Australia in October, as we see many benefits in promoting each other’s tournaments to our respective home markets.

What facets from the sevens success can be transferred to increase spectator numbers at ITM Cup and Investec Super Rugby games?

A success factor of the Hertz Sevens is crowd interaction. We firmly believe in the ‘more you give, the more you receive’ philosophy, so are always looking for opportunities via social media, online and the big screen to get fans interacting with the teams and each other.

The format of the tournament, with 45 games played over two days with plenty of time in-between to be seen on the big screen and have fun is a big factor, combined with typically great summer weather. Increased crowd involvement for Super Rugby and ITM Cup would add to the spectacle, but bringing in the warm summer weather might be a little more difficult…

How much sleep do you get on sevens week?

This will be a great tool in reminding people to manage their behaviour for their own benefit and those around them. This all adds The workload is very demanding from October to keeping attendees safe inside the stadium onwards with the mandatory Christmas and and with the positive nature of the crowd New Year close down of the country a great everyone is generally enjoying themselves. way to ensure batteries are recharged for the final month’s efforts.

During sevens week I typically get four to five hours sleep a night. Usually I get the chance to get a longer sleep after the first day when all the work has been done in preparation of the tournament, although unfortunately I’m usually so wired by then I wake up at 5am anyway.

What will you be doing the day after the sevens tournament?

Our work doesn’t finish when the tournament finishes. I’ve got media commitments the day after the tournament, and may have debriefs with the IRB or other visiting stakeholders before they depart New Zealand the following day. We send teams off to Las Vegas on the Monday following the tournament, so we’ve got hosting obligations until the end of play on Monday.

How hard is it to make sure attendees are safe and what strategies are in place to ensure they are?

We’ve got good vision on the crowd and a high number of security staff monitoring the crowd. We encourage people to text for help if they have any issues, and run a vigorous process to minimise any people getting into the tournament that are intoxicated or attempting to smuggle alcohol in.

We’ve added a further step in 2013 by requiring anyone over the age of 18 years and intending to drink to wear a wristband.

This will be removed as a warning if people’s behaviour is becoming an issue, not enabling the attendee to purchase or consume any more alcohol.

What would your biggest request be for people who are coming to the sevens?

Come early; these are the best athletes in the world at rugby sevens and each year the standard improves. It’s a fantastic spectacle.

It’s like having an Olympics in our own back yard, every year.

What do you enjoy most about the job?

Hearing anecdotes about the positive impact the Hertz Sevens has had on Wellington.

Everyone’s got a story about an unusual sight or people going out of their way to be more generous and welcoming.

This isn’t just Wellingtonians, but also visitors here for the weekend. The spirit becomes infectious and creates great goodwill for Wellington, giving visitors from all over the world great reasons to come in the first place, and to keep coming back.

How many of the games do you actually get to watch throughout the two days?

Unfortunately of the 45 games, I only get to see approximately 10 games. I plan my commitments to ensure these are the pivotal games, and any game the All Blacks sevens are in.

Who is your pick for this year’s winner in Wellington?

With a great track record, great management, great core team combined with new talent, and leading the series, it’s got to be New Zealand.

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 53

Focus | Kiwi Printing House

Quick print

solutions

Kiwi Printing House, better known as Kiwi Print, has been supplying a full range of print services to the Auckland market and this year celebrates 35 years in business.

During this time, Kiwi Print has grown from a staff of two with one press, to its current premises on Elliott Street in Papakura, where a staff of 10 operates six printing presses, along with offering full cutting, bindery and finishing services.

“Kiwi Print recognises the importance of our clients and offers a friendly service with priority for getting your printing requirements completed on time.”

The company offers a full print service and can do just about anything, with no job too Kiwi Print was founded by Alf Williams in 1978 big or too small. and is currently run by his daughter Helen As a response to the requirements of its Williams and fellow director Paul Morgan, clients, Kiwi Print recently upgraded its who originally joined the firm in 1990 as a equipment to include a wide format printer, sales rep before becoming a partner on supplied by FujiFilm, which prints on both Alf’s retirement. roll and rigid formats such as corflute, vinyls, “Our aim is to continue Alf’s philosophy to paper and even carpet if required. supply quality print at a fair price and to make our clients look good in print, no matter what “We specialise in producing quality printing that can help businesses make a lasting format that takes,” Paul says. impression,” Paul says.

“Quality is always a key focus for Kiwi Print “We provide a number of products and and we strive to provide an excellent print services including full colour and commercial finish and ensure high levels of consistency for follow-on print requirements. In short, we printing, from business cards through to large format, including banners and real believe we are only as good as our last job estate signs and from a one-off document to and that belief is applied to every job that we handle. hundreds of thousands of copies.

54 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

“All our work is imaged from a computer file directly to plate. This process ensures the highest quality resolution for both picture and colour control.”

This combination of Computer to Plate (CTP) technology and its exceptional and experienced staff ensures Kiwi Print is equipped to handle all modern printing requirements.

Paul says the printing business is highly competitive, but with Kiwi Print 10 percent ahead on last year’s business, it shows the marketplace response to the company’s work is very positive.

“I think our competitive edge comes with our dedication to service and making sure it happens. Many of our clients are extremely busy and any down time while they wait for key promotional or marketing material is lost revenue and we are there to ensure that does not happen.”

Kiwi Print has a well established online print ordering system. This makes it simple and easy for clients to place orders remotely and with a daily delivery service within the Auckland area, clients are very happy.

Another element crucial to the company’s success is that Kiwi Print has developed very strong relationships with a number of suppliers, adding to the quality and efficiency of the business.

“Quality paper products are always a key to providing our clients with the best possible finish and we are fortunate to have B&F Papers as one of our suppliers,” Paul says.

Helen’s role as chief financial officer has been made more efficient since bringing Crystal Payroll on board to take care of that side of the business. Not only has this freed up several hours of her time each week, but it has certainly added value with all employees having a login to the payroll website.

Focus | Kiwi Printing House Testimonials “Franklin Vets has progressively grown during the past 65 years to become one of the largest privately owned veterinary practices serving the South Auckland and North Waikato regions.

“In July, 2012 we approached Kiwi Print to handle our print and stationery requirements. On the most part, this was not about cost, but searching for improved service and moving to a local supplier.

“The benefits of making this move quickly came to the fore. Paul Morgan (the owner) provided superior customer value and was always on hand. In a crowded and competitive market place, Paul was able to not only compete on the basis of price, but provide real benefits to our growing business.”

- Lindsey Jackson, Franklin Vets

“Kiwi Print has been supplying CourierPost with printed material for the past three years. In this time we know we can always count on professional courteous service, prompt delivery and expert results at a fair price.

“The team at Kiwi Print are always friendly and helpful and often exceed my expectations on turnaround times. Their website catalogues all our products and this is a valuable benefit that I have not come across with other suppliers.”

- Fleur Scott, CourierPost

“Payroll just happens,” Helen says. “And it is no longer dependent upon the knowledge or availability of just one person”.

There is a very dedicated and skilled group of people at Kiwi Print who will do everything possible to ensure your printing is done well and on time.

Services •

Advertising and promotional

•

Printing

•

Artwork & design

•

Die Cutting

•

Creasing

•

Folding

•

High speed collating

•

Drilling

•

Finishing

•

CTP - Computer to Plate

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Focus | Paul Gallagher Legal

Decades of

expert dedication In life we go through a number of milestones and while many are easily lived and enjoyed, there are some that will be easier to pass through with an expert helping hand.

The purchase of a new house, setting up a new business, drawing up a will, a messy divorce, would all be that much easier with an expert mediator handling the nitty-gritty of the legal side.

In the neighbourhood of Albany, residents need look no further than their backyard for a long-standing, reliable presence – Paul Gallagher Legal (PGL). PGL celebrates its 55th anniversary this year - giving it more than five decades of legal experience under its belt.

Papakura

Laying its foundation

T (09) 299 7628

PGL was first established in 1958 as Bell and McDuff and during the years the company has evolved and changed however, it has, throughout this time, kept its dedication to its clients at the forefront of its vision.

E kiwi@kiwiprint.co.nz www.kiwiprint.co.nz — Advertising Feature

PGL prides itself on being an approachable, down to earth company that has its doors open to anyone in need of its services.

Today PGL continues to offer its community a wide range of services in all the major areas of legal practice, including family law, general litigation, estate planning, wills and trusts, together with all commercial transactions and alternative dispute resolution with an emphasis on mediation.

Well connected If unable to physically carry out the work itself, PGL will arrange the necessary expertise to meet its clients’ needs. Through its decades of work in the legal arena, PGL has established connections with numerous businesses, enabling it to offer its clients

PGL promises: • It won’t cut corners just to save a few dollars • It will look after you • It wants you to return and use its services again • It is looking to build ongoing relationships with all of its clients.

advice on who and where to go for a range of services; from accounting, to real estate, mortgage, financial and a wide range of others.

Affordable fees Despite the high calibre of service, PGL promises all its services come at a fair cost.

It acknowledges the high cost of professional services are of major concern to most people, so it ensures it is up front about its fees and expectations. PGL promise the costs of its services reflect the time, skill and care it invests in each of its clients.

Paul Gallagher Legal 232 Main Rd Dairy Flat Highway Albany Village Auckland T (09) 415 9321 E info@lawfirm.co.nz www.lawfirm.co.nz

“

Testimonials I will be sure to use your service again!

“I’d like to thank Paul Gallagher Legal and especially Paul Gallagher for all the work done on my behalf to have this issue resolved. Next time I need legal assistance I will be sure to use your services again.”

- Deanne Earle “Thanks” seems such a small thing to say…

“We first met two years ago, when I was starting to go through what was shaping up to be a very messy and bitter divorce.

Good friends of my partner recommended yourself to me with glowing reports, as you had helped them on similar matters.

I don’t believe it would be possible to find someone who could have handled things better, or faster. Thanks again for everything! But I must say that “thanks” seems such a small thing to say to someone who has done so much.”

- Toni Treleaven Help, advice and support over six years!

“Just a note to thank you very much for all your help, advice and support over the last six years. We moved into our house on Saturday and everything went well, now just have to clear up the mess. Again thank you for making all the legal bits easy.”

- Helen Fisher

”

Proudly supporting Paul Gallagher legal

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 55

Focus | A-Ward Attachments

Pushing bulk handling boundaries

Simon Ward, left, receives the prestigious Swedish Steel Prize 2012 on behalf of A-Ward Attachments.

The company designs and delivers total solutions for the processing and handling of bulk materials for customers throughout the world and is one of the fastest growing manufacturing companies in New Zealand.

is reduced because standard scrap containers can be used, along with ordinary container trucks.

>

Customers of A-Ward Attachments should have no doubt they’re dealing with the best in the world following the Auckland company’s win of the coveted Swedish Steel Prize 2012.

Sector coverage Tough times for New Zealand manufacturers A-Ward Attachments developed the awardwinning MiSlide scrap loader in just two years, but is finding it increasingly difficult to survive in the manufacturing industry.

The Swedish Steel Prize rewards creative, innovative products or solutions that utilise high-strength steel.

The truck’s own power is used to transfer the bale, with A-Ward eliminating friction problems in its design.

A-ward’s innovative range of products includes container tilters, loaders and unloaders, a specialised range of excavator attachments, cardboard and plastic balers and Taurus steel shears and balers.

A-Ward Attachments is the first New Zealand company to win the Swedish Steel Prize.

Simon says winning the award means a great deal to him and his team of dedicated employees.

Since inventing the world’s first container tilter, A-Ward has continued to push the boundaries for the handling of bulk materials.

The scrap loader is now being sold worldwide to companies in the recycling and waste management sector. It is manufactured from SSAB’s Hardox wear plate.

However, Simon says while New Zealand engineering companies are highly innovative and capable, they lack the government support that recognises manufacturing as a core strength of the country.

The company works closely with its main manufacturer, Electro Mechanical Fabrications in Henderson.

Manufacturing results in high employment, as opposed to low employment levels within the dairy industry.

”Peter Gill from EMF and myself work very well together and that’s why we can do such big projects quite quickly,” Simon says.

“In every successful country around the world - Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Sweden their main focus is on manufacturing. China is all about manufacturing,” he says.

Innovative scrap loader A-ward managing director Simon Ward says the MiSlide horizontal scrap loader is a critical new piece of equipment in the industry’s efforts to recycle, manage and transport scrap metals.

The scrap is loaded directly onto the containers, which saves both costs and time.

Horizontal loading reduces the risk of damage to the containers. The environmental impact

”He allows me to do things. I come up with ideas and he comes up with a way that we can make it happen.”

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Simon says New Zealand companies are extremely good at developing innovative new products in quick time.

“The Swedish Steel Prize judges couldn’t believe how quickly we’ve developed and built a product from nothing in under 12 months. We were up against John Deere and Volvo and they take five or 10 years to develop a product.”

“We can develop world-beating products here in New Zealand but there is no one in Government that understands manufacturing and engineering. Being an exporter, I can grow sales but the profit margin is getting smaller and smaller. I have new ideas in my head but there’s no point if you’re not going to make money.”

• Food • Agriculture • Recycling • Demolition.

A-Ward Attachments won the Swedish Steel Prize 2012 for its innovative MiSlide horizontal scrap loader. >

A-Ward won the sought-after award for its MiSlide horizontal scrap loader, a new product it developed in record speed.

Simon says the MiSlide loader has a baling device that bales or compresses the scrap material. “It’s the largest baler in the world as far as I know; it produces the biggest bale,” he says.

A-Ward Attachments designs and delivers total solutions for the processing and handling of bulk materials to a range of industries, including:

A-Ward Attachments Limited 17 Miami Parade Penrose Auckland 1061 T (09) 622 3741 E sales@a-ward.com www.award.com — Advertising Feature

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56 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Property & Construction | Grayson Engineering

Complete steel services

Working together Grayson Engineering has developed close working relationships with most of New Zealand’s leading construction companies.

It has worked with Fletcher Construction on many major projects over the years, including the new Acute Services Building in central Auckland.

Grayson Engineering also works closely with Hawkins Construction, on projects such as Britomart and the new Dunedin rugby stadium, and Haydn and Rollett Construction.

^ The New Caledonia work has mainly involved building structural steel platforms and industrial ducting.

Grayson Engineering Limited provides New Zealand industry with a full scope of structural steel services, from detailed fabrication drawings to manufacture and onsite installation.

The Wiri-based company was formed in 1972 and today employs 105 people under the leadership of general manager David Moore and commercial manager Colin Berger.

Structural steel services Grayson Engineering is one of the largest structural steel manufacturers in the country and is leading the industry with its technology and machinery.

The company has one of the best-equipped structural fabrication, plate cutting, and mechanical fabrication workshops in New Zealand. It has the only computerised CNC structural and plate fabrication machinery of its type in the country.

Its extensive list of plant includes beam lines, plate rolls, pipe cutting machinery, a heavy fabrication shop, a coping machine, a plasma punch and a plate cutting and drilling line.

Through the use of automation in key processes, Grayson Engineering is able to achieve a much higher throughput of components and finished product than traditional labour-intensive methods.

Major New Zealand projects The company has had a long involvement in New Zealand’s building industry and has completed many significant projects during the years.

David says Grayson Engineering tends to take on difficult and complex projects that other

companies might struggle with. It supplied and erected 16 sets of box girders for the upgrade of Eden Park in preparation for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. It was involved in the fabrication of eight on-shore pipe racks for the Kupe gas field in Taranaki in 2008, and completed the fabrication and erection of about 3000 tonnes of structural steel for Britomart East one and two in 2009.

Another significant project completed in recent years was the Forsyth Barr stadium in Dunedin, which involved 3500 tonnes of complex pipe fabrication. David says Grayson Engineering completed the high-profile new ASB headquarters in the Wynyard Quarter in November.

“One of the bigger jobs we’re just finishing now is the electrical maintenance unit for repairs and maintenance on the trains for the Auckland Transport Authority. It’s nearby our site so we can assemble in our yard and move them on site as an oversized load,” he says.

Grayson Engineering’s work includes: • All structural steel including portal frames, box girders, trusses and high-rise buildings • Container and log grapple cranes • Debarker drums • Conveyors, screens, transfer decks • Heat exchangers and air preheaters • Dust extraction and filtration equipment • Construction of steel and aluminium barges and boats • Tanks, hoppers and chutes, boiler ducting and chimney stacks • Communication towers and pylons • Manufacture and installation of wind turbine support towers • Manufacture and installation of water treatment machinery.

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We offer a complete range of services from the detailing of fabrication drawings, manufacture, to the on-site installation of finished product.

We have one of the best equipped structural fabrication, plate cutting, and mechanical fabrication workshops in New Zealand.

The company has the only computerised CNC structural and plate fabrication machinery of its type in the country.

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58 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property & Construction | Grayson Engineering

^ Steel components are detailed and manufactured in Auckland and exported to New Caledonia.

Competing internationally

Cadtec Draughting Limited

Grayson Engineering can successfully compete with any international steel business.

Grayson Engineering established Cadtec Draughting in 1995 as its detailing arm.

Cadtec has since becoming a leading structural steel shop detailing company.

Its services include:

David says not only does the company compete internationally on overseas projects, but is forced to do so increasingly within New Zealand.

^ Grayson Engineering has been exporting structural steel product to a nickel mine in New Caledonia.

“We don’t have to do a lot of advertising because we have a number of cornerstone clients who keep coming back to us. We work proactively with clients to get the best out of a job.”

due to the highly corrosive environment at the plant.

Broadening its horizons

A hot-rolled column section was sourced in Europe. It is cut in half and a large plate welded in the middle to give both strength and the depth to match the existing steel.

The economic recession has seen Grayson Engineering Limited branch out into exporting its structural steel to overseas customers.

“We have a lot of trust with this customer and we have a good reputation for quality,” David says.

David Moore says Grayson Engineering has been forced to look further afield for work due to the downturn in New Zealand’s building industry. “We’ve done quite a bit of export work in the past year into New Caledonia, where we’re competing with Australian and Chinese companies.”

“They have a problem with pollution with the nickel processing operation. Over the last five years we’ve done two significant packages of ducting over there.”

Grayson Engineering has just completed a project for French company SLN, which involves building structural steel platforms and industrial ducting for a New Caledonia nickel mine.

The company is also supplying crane beams for part of the processing plant. The beams must match the existing steel work they’re replacing and have a four coat paint system

The steel components are detailed and manufactured at Grayson Engineering’s Wiri plant and then shipped over in kitset form.

He says the New Caledonia work has been a big success. “We also did all the structural steel for a power station in Western Samoa.

We’ve increased the amount of work that we export because of the downturn in the local industry. We’re waiting for things to improve and we’re seeing signs of a possible recovery later this year, but it’s been a pretty tough three years.”

• HD bolt layouts

“About five years ago customers started going all over the world for prices. We’re now up against competition from overseas for projects here at home.”

• Automatically produced shop fabrication drawings • Automatically produced shop fitting drawings

Grayson Engineering has been competing with Japanese and Chinese companies for the Waterview Tunnel project in Auckland, which involves a 2.5km tunnel linking State Highways 16 and 20 to complete a motorway ring route around the city.

• Marking plans • 3D views with mark numbers • Automatically produced materials and bolt lists

David says this increased competition means Grayson Engineering has had to look at every input into the job.

• CNC data.

“We look for the best priced material and have invested a lot of money in high-end machinery that enhances productivity.

We have long-standing relationships with building companies, which stands us in good stead, and we have a good reputation on high-profile projects.”

Grayson Engineering Limited 25 Langley Road Wiri Manukau City T (09) 278 3366 E davidm@grayson-eng.co.nz www.grayson-engineering.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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For more details, please call one of our Customer Services Representatives on 09 622 3880 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 59

Property & Construction | Design and Security

According to Wikipedia the history of the garage door could possibly date back as far as 450 BC when chariots were stored in gatehouses. Of course chariots and other horse drawn transportation eventually gave way to the motor car and owners were quick to develop specific housing for their precious and significant investment.

While hinged wooden doors based on stable doors were the initial flavour of the month in the early 20th century, that gave way to an uplifting one piece upward lifting door still made out of wood.

American Leno Martin is credited with inventing one of the first one-piece overhead type garage doors in 1936 and the race to develop the best garage door was on. Since then a wide variety of garage doors which hideaway when opened have been invented with materials such as aluminium and steel coming into vogue, taking the place of wood; although in recent years wood is making a comeback.

Rolling doors began to capture the market in the 1950s with tilting doors going out of fashion. The invention of the remote opening increased the interest in developing new styles of doors with materials which included insulation becoming more fashionable.

When selecting a garage door many home owners now want the door to fit in with the overall look of their house and will select doors to match the property aesthetics.

Photos supplied by B&D Doors (NZ Ltd)

The right garage door for your home Sectional doors

This type of door is made from a number of rigid sections or panels that are hinged together and move vertically in the opening, then horizontally along the ceiling, guided by tracks and counter-balanced with springs.

These doors are the most aesthetically adaptable of most garage doors, and are available in a range of colours, patterns and may also feature windows. Sectional doors can be made of wood and other materials, but are most commonly made of steel. They can also utilise thermal panels.

Sectional doors can extend up to 6.5 metres across, thus catering for even the widest of modern cars when stored in a double garage and do not require any space outside the garage to open.

Rolling doors Usually comprise of a ribbed steel curtain that moves vertically in the opening and rolls up and around a drum adjacent to the lintel. The door curtain is guided by vertical tracks and counterbalanced with springs.

It is probably best to get the advice of the experts, and when it comes to fitting the door that is almost essential, given the precise Roller doors are particularly suitable for measurements needed to ensure the door garages and sheds where there is plenty of fits properly. headroom above the opening and where a traditional look is required. An opener can Most garage door manufacturers will manufacture a door to a client’s specific be fitted to either end of the door drum for requirements. automatic operation.

Here are some of the current garage doors on the market: Tilting doors Have largely been superseded by more modern styles of garage doors, but can be a cheap alternative. The big disadvantage of these doors is that the swing up arc of the door occurs partially outside the garage, which means a vehicle must stop and park several feet in front of the door to avoid being hit by the garage door when it is opened.

60 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Flexible doors Flexible doors are generally made from a durable roller door curtain that is fitted on a curving track – which slides from a vertical position up into a horizontal position, close to the ceiling.

It is especially suited to applications where there is not the headroom for a rolling door, or where a safer, smoother and easier to use solution is required to replace an existing tilt door.

Property & Construction | Selah Renovations

Fast movers in the renovation game Selah Renovations recently placed 15th in the 2012 Deloitte Fast 50 Awards which are ultimately an indicator of the fastest growing companies in New Zealand.

What makes this so impressive is the Fast 50 has become synonymous with rising business stars and growing revenue - two attributes Selah Renovations boast an abundance of.

Mark Berryman, managing director and founder of Selah Renovations, believes his company excelled in 2012 due to the booming housing market. This market priced many buyers out of new purchases with many opting to renovate instead; a more cost effective option that also increased the value of their existing home or investment.

New Zealand was caught in a semi-renovation craze last year as television programmes such as ‘The Block’ became popular viewing, instilling the notion of renovations as a great way to improve your home and add valuable equity.

For many home owners, the idea of renovating the home can be time consuming and a job best left to the professionals – step forward Selah Renovations.

Servicing the greater Auckland region, Selah Renovations is carving an impressive

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reputation among clients and industry professionals alike. With a staff of more than 20 builders, designers and project managers to assist its clients, Selah Renovations is the one stop shop for extensions and renovations.

Selah Renovations can assist with all residential projects, including major home renovations, extensions, internal renovations, custom new homes and the company handles the entire process, including building and resource consents. Berryman and his team of professionals work hard to ensure the agreed outcome is achieved with a high level of customer satisfaction.

To sweeten the deal even further, Selah offer a free initial consultation and if all goes well, the customer receives the concept plans at a heavily subsidised price (usual price is around $1,700).

From a full blown extension to internal modernisations, Selah Renovations has the capacity to meet the ambitions of the property developer in all of us. Whether it’s a futuristic vision of an existing home, or you just want to add value, Selah Renovations takes the stress out of renovating with its industry knowledge, efficiency and organisational skills.

Selah’s motto Selah is an old Hebrew word meaning to ‘stop and listen’. Its significance to Mark Berryman was that it could be used in a musical context, the electric guitar being a hobby of his, and can also be used in his professional life – building.

“Selah means to stop and reflect on something and building should be just that, something to look at and enjoyed,” he says.

Incorporated in the Selah branding are three very important words: listen, design,

build. Those three words give the customer the confidence that they will have their expectations met. A strong focus on customer needs and satisfaction is what has helped propel Selah into 15th spot on Deloitte’s Fast 50. Considering the business was only founded in 2007, the future looks bright for the young and motivated company.

When Mark set out to grow a building and renovations outfit, he wanted to establish his chosen company as a brand people would both recognise and trust simultaneously.

What sets Selah apart is the simple fact that it encompasses the whole process, from initial consultation to completion, with its own licensed builders on the staff – meaning no tendering of sub-contracting builders.

48c Porana Rd, Glenfield P 09-444-4286 E quotes@fvaluminium.co.nz W www.fvaluminium.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 61

Property & Construction | Selah Renovations Deloitte Fast 50 According to the Deloitte website, “Fast 50 companies achieve high levels of growth by successfully reading the market and embracing opportunity”. Therefore Selah Renovations’ success is due in part to the gap in the market for home improvements in Auckland.

“In 15th place with growth of 357.33 percent is Selah Renovations - a design and build home renovation company. The directors attribute some of their success to the tight real estate market and escalating house prices, meaning it’s sometimes more cost effective to renovate than to move. In fact 90 percent of their business is renovations. When many medium sized building companies have sunk, these courageous guys have survived, made some profit and their future is looking bright with plans to expand regionally,” Deloitte says.

The future Further expansion is at the forefront of Mark’s thoughts as he continues to build a brand - something many construction based companies underestimate the importance of.

Recognition of a name accompanied with top workmanship and positive media can truly propel a company from the doldrums of obscurity to a widely known business in its related field – with Selah’s being residential renovations.

Selah Renovations PO Box 304044 Hauraki Corner North Shore City 0750 T 0800 TO MAKE (866 252) www.selahrenovations.co.nz — Advertising Feature

In their words “Throughout the process the Selah team continued to impress with their efficiency, punctuality and happy, ‘can-do’ attitude, which meant that no issue was insurmountable in their endeavour to ensure that our needs were met at all times. They managed the project efficiently and effectively, alleviating a lot of stress by communicating progress and next steps as well as transparency of costs throughout the process.”

- Simon and Mia Hooker, Takapuna “We renovated with Selah Renovations and it was a wonderful experience with a fabulous outcome. The whole experience was a pleasure. The whole team were thoughtful and made the whole experience as stress free as possible. Nothing was a trouble and they were really gracious with what was asked or changed. Everything was possible and not a problem.

We would highly recommend Selah Renovations for your work, for a high quality job and for excellent service. We have no hesitation to endorse fully the work completed in our home by Selah Renovations.”

- Daniel and Clare Paikea, Glenfield “Mark set himself and the subcontractors a strict schedule and despite the winter build, he absolutely stuck to this – even when we thought it would be impossible.

They chose people to work with who are of high integrity and he has encouraged and led them with his own work ethic, humour and sensitivity. We would unreservedly recommend Mark and his team and wish them every success in the future. Certainly, if we have another project to do we will be calling – in fact, we have already.”

- Nicola and Paul Le Lievre, Albany

Venues | Conferences

Words are great, action is greater There has been a lot of ‘noise’ around lately about proposed convention infrastructure development in New Zealand, specifically the proposed International Convention Centre to be built on the SkyCity precinct in Auckland, the proposed new Christchurch Convention Centre and a possible new Queenstown Convention Centre.

From a strategic fit, these three developments make perfect sense, especially in terms of the intended capacities and will complement very well the existing facilities throughout the rest of New Zealand, but what we need now is some very firm action to turn concepts and plans into reality.

It is worth walking through the three proposed developments just to get an idea of where they will end up and we start firstly with the International Convention Centre (ICC).

There has been a lot of community debate around the proposed funding model for the ICC which, in simple terms, involves SkyCity Entertainment Group, a public listed company which currently operates the SkyCity Casino, two hotels, plus associated businesses in the Sky Tower in the Auckland SkyCity precinct, and other operations throughout New Zealand and Australia, including Darwin and Adelaide.

The idea is that in return for agreed gambling concessions, SkyCity will fund the capital costs of the development of approximately $350 million and also operate the convention centre.

Debate has raged throughout New Zealand centres around the social cost of increased problem gambling that could occur if the number of pokie machines within the casino is increased, and there is also political debate around the process which involved our Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, John Key. Currently, there is an investigation being run by the Office of the Auditor General following a complaint by the NZ Green Party, but the process was very sound around the selection of SkyCity as the preferred operator and

The Christchurch situation is really more fluid in terms of the proposed convention centre that will be built in the Christchurch CBD and will accommodate up to 2,000 delegates.

The Government recently announced a blueprint for the rebuild of the CBD which is very much anchored around a convention centre being built in the city, as well as a proposed new enclosed sporting facility for up to 35,000.

It is envisaged that a Public Private Sector (PPS) partnership model be used to fund the building of the convention centre and several hotel companies have now indicated that they will build new hotels adjacent to the convention centre now it has been decided that it will probably go ahead.

The third development concerns a 750 capacity convention centre in Queenstown somewhere within the existing town centre.

The situation is that an initial feasibility study has been presented to the Queenstown Council, which is now considering where to take it in terms of design and how it will be funded. There is an expectation that central government funding will contribute to the development costs.

There is a high likelihood that all of these three proposed developments will proceed, which will really propel New Zealand to the next level in terms of its ability to cater for medium to large national and international conventions.

Let us all hope for the sake of the New Zealand industry that the current plans are turned into reality in the very near future, so that the necessary international marketing can begin to ensure the financial viability of the proposed developments.

Article provided by Conventions & Incentives New Zealand

Deliver a conference that connects Creating effective conferences involves a combination of content, creativity, co-ordination and collaboration. So here are three key elements to help keep things simple and engaging for attendees.

to do this is to ask people what they want.

This will help you formulate a clear picture of what needs to happen to help deliver a more effective event.

Set objectives

Keep the audience active, challenged and ensure that they have to take action. The structure of a conference is alien to the normal working pattern because, during the average working day, people move about, absorb and process information and take action. And whatever you do, keep people as active as you can. The golden rule to keep people engaged is don’t force them to sit and endure death by PowerPoint presentation.

Design the conference based on the needs of participants and ensure the content is supportive of and aligned with the core message/s. People fear repetition, but don’t ignore the value of reinforcement!

Set the scene before the event Engage the whole team when designing an event and a simple way 62 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

hopefully, once this investigation is out of the way, real process can begin.

Engage the audience

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Property & Construction | Spaceworks

Does your

space work?

No matter what our career, we all adopt a ‘work space’. For many, the office comes a close second to the home in terms of hours spent per week – so why not make your work space a Spaceworks work space?

Managing director Lizzi Hines, the daughter of a lawyer and an accountant, took the reins of Spaceworks six years ago and continues to guide her investment steadily into the destined direction of success.

excel. Whether the office space in question is a retrofit (existing office that requires a re-vamp), or if the blueprints are still being drawn up, just ask for their opinions and they’ll be more than happy to help.

Originally just one employee and a manager, today Lizzi employs seven staff nationwide and has her sights firmly set on further expansion, particularly into the Wellington market.

“We can save thousands of dollars by making the right decisions at the beginning of the process. If we use the space efficiently, we can save the client money,” Lizzi says.

Focusing on the office as a central hub for daily business activity, the Spaceworks team not only save clients’ money on fit outs, but there’s no doubting their award winning exploits can also stimulate work place inhabitants to become more productive.

Research and general human perception tells us that a well designed office space can directly alter employee mood, ambience and aura, which can indirectly affect performance and profitability.

All variables must be taken into account and that’s where Lizzi and the Spaceworks team

“

For example - using alternative materials such as resin finishes or timber veneers can accentuate an otherwise utilitarian space for a minimal monetary layout.

Experts in the field of aesthetics and practicality, Lizzi and her team like to be involved from the outset – even before the office lease is signed – to implement their ideas.

Spaceworks offers a free initial layout and budget consultation to potential clients and strive to work within budget while offering advice on materials, spatial needs and design.

We can save thousands of dollars by making the right decisions at the beginning of the process. If we use the space efficiently, we can save the client money.

- Managing director Lizzi Hines

64 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

”

Property & Construction | Spaceworks Why Choose Spaceworks?

First of all, be sure to check out the very impressive highlight reel on www.spaceworks.co.nz; the completed work and testimonials themselves speak volumes.

Lizzi Hines’ entrepreneurial streak is a huge asset for Spaceworks; with creativity in droves and determination in mind, the future certainly looks bright for the Auckland based team.

The Spaceworks team is renowned for its intrinsic attention to detail and Lizzi jokes that being all female has definite advantages when it comes to site management. “We are an all female team and we have no worries orchestrating the tradesmen to do the work – we manage a project with tact and ease.”

The customer is always a priority for Lizzi and the girls. For example, in a recent job Spaceworks actually advised a customer that they did not need the floor space they intended – in fact they advised the customer to drastically reduce the unneeded square meterage. Lizzi’s advice was well received and

“

implemented by the customer in question, saving thousands on a fit out, not to mention even more so on upkeep etc.

Google offices and Spaceworks The more desirable a work place, the more dedicated the worker?

Well, that might just be true. A classic example is Google USA; with one of the most employee-focused offices ever built (well, not so much offices as an employee village/ haven), the company will experience very little employee dissatisfaction, workers will take more pride in their work place and as such, retain a desire to stay in the company.

On the topic of Google, one of the undisputed superpowers of the internet world, they sought the fit out knowledge and skills of Spaceworks to complete their 120 sqm project in Auckland’s city centre.

Working in conjunction with such a high profile company attributes elevated credibility to Spaceworks’ glowing portfolio.

The Spaceworks team is renowned for its intrinsic attention to detail

”

The Spaceworks 12 step programme 1.

FREE – Spaceworks meet with you for a brainstorming session

2. FREE – A preliminary layout concept is prepared 3. FREE – Spaceworks discuss the layout concept and discuss any changes 4. FREE – An estimate for the cost of fitting out your space is prepared 5. Meet to discuss the estimated building and furniture costs and the fixed design and co-ordination fee

8. Spaceworks lodges the building consent with the council and works with them until all conditions are satisfied 9.

Fixed quotes on both the hard and soft fit outs sent for final sign off before building work begins

10. Contractors begin the work and Spaceworks acts as project manager

6. Spaceworks develop the full design concept (joinery, lighting and colour schemes etc)

11. Spaceworks completes regular site checks and inspections

7.

12. MOVING DAY! Spaceworks helps co-ordinate your relocation in order to minimise your downtime.

Spaceworks complete the hard fit out and produce soft fit out drawings (while still listening to the customer’s valued input)

Provide the setting for your people to harness the power of the team, and have them all contributing to your vision. Crestline’s world-class furniture systems make it easy to create an environment where people enjoy working. Crestline has proven ability to collaborate at the design phase and supply quality furniture on time and within budget. Let us make your office transformation an enjoyable and hassle free experience.

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 65

Property & Construction | Spaceworks

Testimonial “When planning the daunting task of moving a 150 people telecommunications business was first tabled, the task appeared to be a difficult one. Once Spaceworks came on board the task was then far easier and the project management by Spaceworks was brilliant.

“There were a number of interested parties involved in this project and required the ability to be both creative and proactive to ensure that nothing was left to chance. The design layout has worked out well and the staff are happy in their new work environment, with the fun “chillout” area a favourite. We would have no hesitation in recommending Spaceworks for anyone to use.”

- Kim Ellis - Call Plus / Slingshot

Retro-fit

The future

Imagine the difference between that flickering fluorescent light and a nice halogen spotlight?

What about an office with a sleek vibrant yellow theme with bright tones and an aura of summer? Now compare that to old, smoke stained ceilings - ceilings that used to be white! Where do you think employees would be happier and therefore more productive?

The name Spaceworks is no coincidence and it should stick in mind as they work spaces your work space.

Take a look around the office, could it do with a re-vamp? Are you planning on opening new offices, expanding or re-locating? Well, the business world moves fast and we all use modern technology; smart-phones, tablets, wireless internet in our day-to-day.

The speed of innovation can sometimes overtake the work space we operate from.

Integration will help that transition and Spaceworks know this. They know the business world is moving quickly toward world wide meetings over Skype and iPhone conferences and they can integrate this transformation into a modern office to suit the modern business needs.

Tell Lizzi that all employees will be using iPads and flatscreens instead of hideous box computers with chunky, stained keyboards from the early 90s and the designs will follow.

Lizzi and her dedicated team of designers and consultants have built a strong relationship with a small base of regular suppliers whom they work with in-situ to keep prices attainable for the customer.

66 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Next time you try to manoeuvre from your desk to the coffee machine, have a think about flow, optimal space use and consider integrating company colours as décor.

As for Lizzi, the entrepreneurial flame has been well and truly lit. Having weathered the financial crisis, clients going into receivership and many other sizeable obstacles, it will certainly be interesting to see Spaceworks flourish and thrive as the business continues to grow.

Spaceworks 150 Karangahape Road Auckland T (09) 358 9134 or 0800 2 FIT OUT E auck@spaceworks.co.nz www.spaceworks.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Property & Construction | Koia Architects

With technological innovation giving us everything from smart cars to smart phones, it was only a matter of time before someone came up with a smart home. Well that person is architect Tony Koia.

The Koia Architects’ Smarthouses are a series of compact, energy efficient, smart, architectural homes aimed to provide maximum value for medium cost.

The concept for the Smarthouse evolved from the award winning Starter Home Koia Architects designed for the Department of Building & Housing in 2009.

How smart is

your house?

Tony Koia says these homes were aimed at first home buyers at an affordable price point. This was for a 120sqm home, with two to three bedrooms, which could be added to as needs expanded, with a high energy efficiency and could be built for around $1400 per sqm.

“The Smarthouse is the evolution of this, providing homes that have increased thermal efficiency, smart heat recovery and ventilation systems, which result in lower running costs,” Tony says.

“They are architecturally designed and aim to have a style that is not offered by group housing solutions.”

One of the issues Tony wanted to address with the Smarthouse was energy efficiency and has done so with a double membrane wrap (inside and outside) and by using a cost effective heat recovery and reticulation system.

“Most low cost homes offer the minimum insulation and construction solutions and therefore have the highest running costs.

“We wanted to position the Smarthouse so it would be affordable to first home buyers, retirees and people on lower or fixed incomes, as these groups often struggle with the spiralling cost of electricity.

“The Smarthouse will also appeal to anyone who wishes to have an architectural home without the usual one-off costs; affordable, compact and efficient does not have to be ugly.”

Tony says the Smarthouse offers advantages for less stable land which standard timber framed homes would struggle with and has been designed with extreme climates like Queenstown in mind.

The Smarthouse is able to have contemporary or traditional appeal, with flat roofs or gabled.

About

Koia Architects

“Every client brings a different hierarchy of requirements and we identify these at the outset - whether they be aesthetic, quality, time or budget constraints - so a successful outcome is achieved.

Koia Architects was established in Auckland in 1995 by architect Tony Koia.

The practice has expanded during the years and a second office was established in Queenstown in 2004. To reflect this commitment Koia Architects Auckland Ltd and Koia Architects Queenstown Ltd were created in 2006 to provide better service to both regions.

“We encourage our clients to be involved throughout the design process as this often brings about a more fulfilling result.”

Koia Architects Auckland Ltd Level 1, 8 Beresford St Newton T (09) 373 2244 E Koia@koia.co.nz www.koia.co.nz

Currently Koia Architects has seven people in its team - including architects, graduate architects, draughtspeople and an interior designer. The company actively promotes continuing professional development for all its staff and understands the value of maintaining an informed and professional team to service its clients.

Koia Architects Queenstown Ltd Office 1, L1, Block D Steamerwharf Village Queenstown T (03) 441 2271 E Koia@koia.co.nz www.koia.co.nz

Initial projects included all types of residential and apartment fit outs, including integrated interiors and landscaping design. This quickly expanded to include townhouses, terrace houses, apartment buildings, office fit outs and hotel design.

“As part of the maturing New Zealand residential market over the last decade, we have enjoyed providing creative solutions for different types of living environments and seeing our clients appreciate the benefits of these,” principal architect Tony Koia says.

“Working in a wide range of residential and commercial projects keeps us fresh and always provides aspects that enrich our other projects – regardless of the size or type.

Each commission is special and unique.”

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 67

Property & Construction | Onform Construction

Making a home is more than just building a house

Ph: 09 530 9400, Mob: 0274 926 781 Fax: 09 530 9401 PO Box 58763 Botany, 2010, Auckland

Making a house a home has been a strictly human preoccupation since the time our ancestors started decorating cave walls. And, although our dwellings have evolved, the desire to stamp our mark on our habitat has not abated. Much like the caves of our forebears, the modern home offers more than mere shelter; it offers a vehicle for personal expression.

We create custom built doors and windows, to suit your specific requirements. We provide superior quality, backed by generations of timber joinery experience.

Whether you are restoring a heritage building or creating unique designs for your new home, we pride ourselves on our clients satisfaction.

9 Carpenter Road, East Tamaki, Manukau 2013 Ph: (09) 273 3699 F: (09) 273 3698 E: info@owairoajoinery.co.nz

GLAZING | SPECIAL RUNS | ARCHITECTURAL JOINERY 68 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Today’s builders are established to deliver designs which represent a direct correlation between the personalities and the lifestyles of those they shelter. But translating the individual qualities of a person and their way of life into a physical dwelling is a task few can master.

With more than 20 years of experience in building quality high-end homes, Onform Construction has long upheld the tradition of establishing homes which are a hybrid of practical living solutions, while realising the personalities and lifestyles of those they’re building for.

The company built the award winning house of Simon and Robin Carnachan in Parnell and has gained the highest level of recognition from the Master Builder Association with gold awards in both the Renovation and New Home categories.

Onform Construction also took out the supreme award for Renovation of the Year 2012 in the Auckland region, due to its work on a 126 year old Remuera villa. “It was in bad shape,” explains managing director Dan Hari.

“Some of the walls were no longer structurally sound, so we had to rebuild entire sections.”

There were challenging aspects to the build, including space restrictions on the section and specifications resulting from the property being a heritage site. “It was an intense build but a degree of difficulty is something we enjoy in a job. We like to get a challenge and tackle it head on.”

It was the second project the company had done for the same owner, as much of Onform Construction’s workload comes from repeats and word of mouth. “People come to me after they’ve seen our work. They are people who are focused on quality and who know exactly what they want in a home.

“We specialise in large scale renovations and high end new homes,” Dan explains. “However, we are happy to look after smaller projects from building decks, bathroom and kitchen renovations, through to smaller extensions.

“We manage the project from start to finish and work closely with the architect, engineer and owner to ensure a premium finish.”

OWAIROA JOINERY LTD Window and Door Specialists

It was the first year the company had decided to enter the awards, recognising the opportunity to measure themselves against other construction companies. “It’s great to be recognised by peers within the industry.

Knowing it was a builder and an architect who were judging the properties and for them to look at some of these amazing buildings and judge us as being the best in terms of workmanship and overall build quality was really satisfying.

“The recognition that our work is at that high standard is what we pride ourselves on, so to get recognised for that is a very humbling experience.”

Dan cut his teeth in the construction industry spending much of his 21 years in the industry working under the tutelage of his father Peter, before establishing Onform Construction, where he has been for eight years.

“I love the fact that at the end of the day you can stand back and see something you have created with your own hands. Not a lot of jobs have that. I love the job - the small points, the big points, how it all comes together at the end.

“It’s an incredible sense of fulfilment putting a roof over someone’s head.”

It’s an increasingly competitive marketplace, but Onform Construction prides itself of customer satisfaction, strong supplier relationship and a total open book policy.

“That’s how we build,” Dan says.

“Our success comes down to attention to detail. We love doing a good job. Building a house should be an enjoyable experience for someone, not stressful.

“We take the stress out for our clients, just give them the options and guide them through the process. It can be scary for people who haven’t built before. But we’re here to give them advice, the right options and guide them through the process.”

Supplier strength Dan puts much of his success down to the strong support of his suppliers and says Bowker Drainage is the only drainage supplier the company would consider using.

“Nigel is much like me in that he likes the challenging jobs. He knows what he’s doing inside and out and will work on anything from small jobs through to large commercial projects – he does it all.”

Property & Construction | Onform Construction

“

Testimonials “Dan Hari was recommended to us by our architect who had worked with him before – and what a great recommendation. Dan and his team bent over backwards to ensure we got our dream home. Dan is extremely professional with a great eye for detail.

He goes out of his way to make his clients happy. The processes we needed to understand were put in plain words and Dan always explained our options clearly to us.

“Dan, thank you so much for helping us create our dream home. We look forward to working with you again on our next building project.”

- Candidia Keithly “We chose Dan Hari to build our new house because we liked what he had done previously. He was highly recommended to us because of his workmanship, attention to detail and good client relationships.

“Although we had called for tenders, after discussing the issue with our architect we chose to go with an open book contract with Onform Construction, whereby we were billed on a monthly basis for labour and for material plus an agreed percentage. A copy of every materials invoice was given to us during the build so we could see exactly how much everything cost.

“Nothing was beyond him or too much trouble. He understood the architect’s plans very well but if he thought something could be improved or didn’t quite match the high standard we had set for our house, he was able to suggest practical modifications.

“Daniel obviously takes a great deal of pride in the houses he builds and remains a good friend to us. We highly recommend him.”

” Basin View Electrical - Vicky & Mark Woolford

Mob: 0274 957 528

Domestic • Commercial • Installation • Maintenance PO Box 39 203 Howick Auckland

Ph/Fax (09) 537 5759 Email: basin@ihug.co.nz Splashbacks

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Mirrors

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We are proud to be associated with Onform Construction Projects www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 69

Property & Construction | Onform Construction There’s another Nigel that is popular with Dan, but this Nigel is from Owairoa Joinery. “Nigel has been around for a while. He produces made to order joinery and can literally build anything he wants. He’s such a joy to work with, that’s why we use these guys. They know our buildings, they know we don’t do the straightforward jobs and they can always produce the solutions we’re seeking.”

s

Basin View Electrical is also solution based, he says. “Phill also runs a similar company.

Dad used Basin View Electrical for 21 years.

He works in really well with clients, if there is anything he thinks the client should do, such as extra lights or the positioning of lights, he has the knowledge and experience to help.

He gives clients great ideas and advice and is able to put in smart wiring as well.”

Another long standing supplier is Winstone Amalgamated, the company’s glass supplier

Why you should choose Onform

“We have used Neil Rose from Winstone for years. Again, nothing is a problem. We get things the architect has drawn up that we can’t do and he finds us solutions. He is invaluable for coming onsite, measuring up and providing ideas and advice.”

Placemakers has been part of both Dan’s building career for 21 years and is also really highly rated. “They’ve been our supplier for so many years. They are incredibly professional and know their products inside and out. You can ask them for an alternative product and they will source something for you. They can advise you on suppliers and organise delivery to the site.”

Onform Construction PO Box 251477 Pakuranga Auckland T 021 535 322 E dan@onformconstruction.co.nz www.onformconstruction.co.nz — Advertising Feature

• Well established • Specialises in large scale renovations and high end new builds • Can manage a project from start to finish • Works closely with the architect, engineer and owner to achieve a premium finish • A Registered Master Building, Onform Construction offers a 10 year guarantee • Has won numerous awards including the renowned gold Master Builder awards.

PLACEMAKERS PROUD TO SUPPLY

BUILDING MATERIALS TO ONFORM CONSTRUCTION 102 Lunn Avenue, Mt Wellington T (09) 570 8300 F (09) 527 1097 E rcampbell@placemakers.co.nz

Welcome to Shotover Lodge!

The perfect spot for a corporate getaway...

Competitively priced we are one of the leading accommodation providers for corporate groups wanting some space and quiet time yet only 10 minutes away from Queenstown Centre.

As a special we have joined forces with Queenstown Bike Tours, offering accommodation, a day’s riding and wine tasting at Gibbston Valley which is an absolute must for any company coming to Queenstown.

There’s no better way to build a team than on bikes with wine!

Call us on 03 441 3318 or email info@shotoverlodge.co.nz.

70 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property & Construction| Interview

Down to

Earth

Many may not have heard of landscape designer and sculptor Dan Rutherford, but those who attended the 2012 Ellerslie Flower Show will know his work.

His sombre and thought provoking exhibition, Fresh Start, New Growth, was awarded a gold medal at the show.

During his career, Dan has taught at Lincoln University and has been called upon to speak at a number of specialist seminars. His talents don’t stop there - he has appeared on TV shows Ground Rules, Maggie’s Garden Show, and What Now. We asked Dan about how he came to be a landscape designer and what is needed to ensure people enjoy the spaces they create outside.

When did you become interested in landscape design?

I’ve loved gardening since I was a young boy.

My mother was a fantastic mentor during those early years. She designed our garden on the hill country farm where I grew up.

As a family we built it, and later bus-loads of garden enthusiasts came from all over the world to drive the long winding gravel road to visit it. It helped me recognise how important a garden can be to creating a real home, rather than just a house.

My heart is in the land.

I love to create real living spaces on it, digging, stabilising, working, and growing plants in it. It’s enormously satisfying for me.

Later, I completed a geology degree at Canterbury University. I was frustrated by the amount of ugly retaining walls and embankments, so I wanted to create attractive, functional land stabilisation systems, especially on the hills. I felt that a career in landscape design was a perfect marriage of my passion for home, land and garden.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My clients. I can always tell if I’ve got the landscape design right for a client if they feel more at home in their garden than they used to. The gardens where I feel I’ve really succeeded are the ones where the owners’ personalities are expressed in the gardens that surround them.

Often people are good at putting their personality into the interior design of their home, but don’t express it in the garden. As a starting point, for example, a very structured person will often enjoy a structured garden, and a more relaxed person will usually enjoy a more informal design.

When I’ve got it right, the faces of friends and family are the best indicators of whether I’ve hit the right chord. They can always recognise the client’s personality in the garden if it’s there.

How can people transform their garden from ordinary to wow?

Find the things that you’re truly passionate about in your life, and use references to those things in your garden design.

Start with the basics, such as thinking of your favourite colour. Choose plants and design elements based on that colour, then add complimentary colours to support it.

Not having the courage to look inside themselves for inspiration.

Once the plants are in place, it’ll be much harder to dig the ground over deeply.”

When starting with a blank canvas what should people consider before they start digging?

Who has been your biggest influence and why?

Look at the area around your garden. If there are plants or other design elements that suit your style, isolate them in your mind, so you can incorporate them. Remove everything else.

Remember to look outside your boundaries for design elements. A beautiful building nearby can be framed in a view corridor of trees, drawing it into the garden design. Large trees in the distance can become a part of the view of the garden from inside the house by blending them into the garden planting.

That way, the boundaries can appear blurred and the garden can appear much larger.

Check Google Earth, print out a satellite photo of your home. Sketch the layout onto it. Start with pencil, so you can easily change it as you adapt your ideas. Once you get started on building your garden, remember that this might be the only chance you get to dig soil conditioner such as compost into the soil.

I really enjoy the work of a British land artist, called Andy Goldsworthy. His works consider the natural cycles of life and he interprets them in a way I consider is thought provoking and beautiful at the same time.

How can sculpture be incorporated into a garden?

I’m a great believer in sculpture being installed into a setting which complements it, rather than simply being placed in a garden.

If you’re looking at buying a sculpture work, consider what kind of garden setting it’s going into. Sculpture can be an excellent way to bridge the gap between yourself and your garden.

If you already have a sculpture, design the garden where it will be placed to complement it. Draw on the colours and textures of the work for your plant choices.

Or consider your favourite shapes. Include them too. If you like straight lines make them a primary part of the garden design.

If you have a life of contrasts, with wild parts and calm, controlled parts, then put both of those parts into your garden. Often the contrast between wild and controlled parts in the garden can help to accentuate the beauty of each.

If you like old, weathered materials, then base your design around them. If you enjoy a life of surprises then make a garden with parts that appear hidden, so people feel special to have chanced upon them. Nestle sculpture into those spaces, to accentuate their mood, and create interest.

Make a garden which tells a subtle story your story.

What is a common mistake people make when planning a garden? www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 71

Transport & Motoring | Auckland Motors Mitsubishi

In a marketplace saturated by comparable commodities – you’ve got to have something that’s just that little bit special. It is imperative that you offer a product that is at least head and shoulders above the rest - something that’s a bit of a show off in personality and style.

The Mitsubishi car, a true automotive icon that has survived the seasonal tides of commercial change, is all of these things and more – it’s a major player in the major leagues and always will be thanks to its competitive aesthetic and functional qualities.

At the heart of Auckland Motors Mitsubishi, a business that is one of the most competitive Mitsubishi dealerships in New Zealand, is the Mitsubishi vehicle made with you in mind.

Service is the word Auckland Motors Mitsubishi is one of greater Auckland’s longest established motor vehicle dealerships and has been serving customers in the greater Auckland area since 1908.

Offering customer service that is defined by continuity and efficiency, Auckland Motors Mitsubishi is a streamlined operation that is just as focused on its vehicle after sales care, as it is committed to the new and used vehicles it sells.

As well as selling new and used vehicles, the business also offers a full range of new genuine parts, as well as used parts and accessories for all Mitsubishi vehicles, plus a comprehensive range of parts, accessories

The Mitsubishi

advantage

and aftermarket products for other makes and models.

Auckland Motors Mitsubishi uses the latest technology to determine the correct part for a vehicle and if it doesn’t have the part a customer needs, it will search high and low to source it for them.

Although it has antiquated roots, this is a business that is anything but dated. With robust professional foundations in place, Auckland Motors Mitsubishi has years of experience and satisfied customers under its business belt.

Managing director Mark Barton is undeniably passionate about the business and works to ensure he and his staff continue, without fail, to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Barton has had his finger on the pulse since 1995 when he came into the Auckland Motors professional fold fresh from selling experience with other brands and hands-on experience as a mechanic.

“I’m a mechanic by trade, but I started selling cars after my apprenticeship and over time my experience led me to Auckland Motors. I started at the business in 1995,” he recalls.

“I have a complete understanding of the whole organisation, which I believe is absolutely critical when you are in a managerial position. You need to have your ears to the ground and your eyes on the action and I believe that the practical experience I gained through my apprenticeship enables me to understand the service side of the organisation, as well as the front of house business.”

Barton adds that Auckland Motors Mitsubishi is driven – no pun intended – to provide the best possible after sales service because it is not parochially focused on the bottom line.

“A really good business understands that regular car servicing is a critical part of the sales process. The sale of a car is just the beginning of a long relationship with the customer.

“Buying a car is a very emotive thing - it is a big deal for anyone who is purchasing a car whether it is new or used and they are always understandably excited. But the thing to remember is that it is only new for so long and three or four months down the track it isn’t and it needs to be looked after.”

This is where Auckland Mitsubishi Motors is exceptionally unique and it is always prepared to go the extra mile.

“We do whatever we can to go above and beyond,” Barton confirms. “We pick our customer’s car up from their workplace or home if they need us to, service the vehicle and then drop it back to them at a time that suits. We know and appreciate that our customers are extremely busy so we like to take the complexity out of any service.

“All of our vehicles are washed and vacuumed before our customers get them back. In addition to our pick up and drop off service, we also provide a courtesy ride to get you back to work and pick our customers up when the job is done and for longer repairs we can also provide a loan vehicle.”

Auckland Mitsubishi Motors can service an extensive range and style of cars from the smallest car to light trucks, utes and vans and every customer is treated with equal importance.

“It is about making your customer feel valued – we know that it is easy to talk the talk, but you have to walk the walk too. Good customer service is not about saying you’ll do it – it’s about saying you will do it and then following through on that promise time and time again. I am very passionate about giving our customers a lifetime experience and not just a one off sale.”

New Range of Mitsubishi vehicles

72 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

• Colt

• Outlander

• Colt Plus

• Challenger

• Lancer Hatch

• Pajero

• Lancer Sedan

• Triton Diesel 2WD

• Lancer Ralliart

• Triton Diesel 4WD

• Evolution X

• L300 SWB

• ASX

• L300 LWB

Transport & Motoring | Auckland Motors Mitsubishi New beginnings Choosing a time to introduce growth into your business can never be about spontaneity and it’s never a gamble; growth is about strategy and foresight.

Despite the severe market fluctuations over the past five years, Auckland Motors Mitsubishi has proven itself to be a sustainable entity with great potential for expansion. “Growth is always important for every business and our focus has been about retention,” Barton reveals.

To accommodate its growing client base, he adds that Auckland Motors Mitsubishi has invested in a purpose built showroom, which is a very good looking addition to the dealership.

“I think it is pretty stunning, but the customers will vote on that,” Barton quips.

“We have been very fortunate with Mitsubishi New Zealand supplying the very best signage and points of sale for the showroom.”

The new showroom features internal gardens, a coffee lounge and digital point of sale interactive screens.

“

“We really know and appreciate the Mitsubishi brand deserves a superior presence and when you have a brand new showroom, it allows you to give it this presence,” Barton says. “At the end of the day though, showrooms don’t sell cars, people do and we acknowledge this fact too, which is why we have the best showroom and the best staff.”

A really good business understands that

regular car servicing is a critical part of the sales process. The sale of a car is just the beginning of a long relationship with the customer.

- Managing director, Mark Barton

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With a staff of 40 people on board, Barton says Auckland Motors Mitsubishi is able to offer a service with extensive operational reach.

“It is important to me as a long-term member of the Auckland Motors Mitsubishi staff, and as managing director, that all our staff buy into our business philosophy of excellence.”

It is palpable this mission has been well and truly achieved as the dealership has won awards annually for its excellent service.

that award for 11 years,” Barton says proudly.

“I think we continue to win because of our repeat business figures – the fact that we are always accountable and committed and our customers keep coming back because we look after them.

“For us to win that award for 11 years really speaks volumes and I can honestly say it is because of every person who works for us.”

The new workshop the business has also invested in, which has been built on two acres of property on Great South Road in Manukau, accommodates all of this business and is testament to how much the business has grown.

On the subject of new, Auckland Motors Mitsubishi is buzzing about new additions to the range, which continue to revolutionise the iconic Mitsubishi brand. “The brand recently launched a new Mitsubishi Outlander. This vehicle has always been the darling of the SUV market and I fully expect it will continue to be that,” Barton says.

“They have also released a new Mitsubishi Mirage – this is definitely one of the most iconic Mitsubishi vehicles and everyone in New Zealand knows someone that has had a Mitsubishi Mirage. It has returned in great style to the New Zealand market and I have every confidence that this car is going to be extremely popular and sell very well.”

An extensive range of the cars on offer at Auckland Motors Mitsubishi can be found at www.aucklandmotors.co.nz Auckland Motors Mitsubishi 686 Great South Road Manukau Auckland 2241 T (09) 262 8488 — Advertising Feature

“Each year Mitsubishi awards dealerships for excellent customer service – we have won

Specialising in: • Breakdown or accident towing • Emergency recovery • Roadside assistance • Transportation • Heavy towing • Salvage & Winching • Secure camera motored storage for 600 vehicles

Call us today for immediate service

0800 726 358 Phone 09 276 9442

www.southerndistrictstowingltd.co.nz

CCS Manufacture and Installations Ltd manufacture and install commercial and residential cladding systems using Aluminium Composite Panels supplied by PSP Limited.

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74 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Beyond Freight - Making It Happen Hi, my name is Jenny Maxwell and I formed Beyond Freight & Logistics in September, 2010 just for YOU. I started the company after years of experience in the transport industry and learnt the key values that customers liked and needed.

It was very simple – don’t over-sell your services, be truthful and reliable, treat people how you would like to be treated and get the job done.

So in late July 2010 I began to approach a few of my historical customers,that had always been there for me.

I asked if they would support Beyond Freight, and they did! We still have those very same customers today.

I started out providing local pick-ups & deliveries however in 2011 Lance Maxwell – hubby and General Manager – decided that we were stronger in the market as a pair and with both of us believing in our core values, we decided to utilise our already reliable base of contacts and relationships in the freight market and take Beyond Freight & Logistics National.

To date I am proud to say that we are achieving what I set out to do. Beyond Freight & Logistics has enhanced our customers’ service expectations by providing efficient and personable staff to talk to, cost savings and reliable freight movements.

A recent customer described the Beyond Freight service. “From my experience,

this is basically how I see you guys deal with us and our customers as well. Unlike the other carriers we use, you go the extra mile of dealing with our customers directly and making it happen like it’s your business! You guys have always shown extra care and always put in a personal touch.

“We personally know you both very well and we’re very happy to use Beyond Freight”. - Preeta.

Beyond The Background Lance comes from an exceptional background with more than 12 years experience in management and freight management on a national level has expertise in the safe and secure movements of pharmaceuticals and high value products.

Lance and I set out to make a change for the people that we had worked on behalf of in freight for the last 12 years. And we still are. We make it our job to find you the very best service at the very best rates.

I have also spent thirteen years in the freight industry and absolutely love it.

It really makes me happy when we have been able to solve any issue for a customer, we enjoy making your life easier.

We often get the call when your current carrier lets you down and we always find a solution and make it happen for you.

Auckland Metropolitan Services Fast and efficient – across town local deliveries are completed the same day if the product is booked before 12.00pm.

Deliveries completed the following morning for consignments collected after 12.00pm.

At Beyond Freight & Logistics we pride ourselves on the level of care and skill taken to ensure that you get value for

money, and that your freight is secure with Beyond Freight & Logistics. Call us today to book an appointment with one of our great customer care managers.

your suppliers honest with monthly KPIs and rates negotiations happening all of the time.

We have some fantastic suppliers out there that really care about our customers Nationwide Services and we have built a strong name in the market for our dependency to go above With more than 30 years of combined and beyond to provide a super service to experience in national freight requirements, Beyond Freight has chosen our customers Preeta from Peter Fell says a comprehensive and time tested network “Unlike the other carriers we use, you go to the extra mile of dealing with our to fulfil your requirements. North Island customers directly and making it happen deliveries are generally delivered the like it’s your business! You guys have next day] (+1 for Rural Deliveries) and always shown extra care and always put South Island deliveries are generally in a personal touch.” completed within two days (+ 1 day for Rural Deliveries).

- Beyond Freight & Logistics owner Jenny Maxwell says With time tested networks in place, we “One of the elements of my job is to are often able to beat any competitor’s believe in this statement and follow rates and service. We have exceptionally it to the best of my capabilities; not high expectations of our networks and always easy to do when you are the manage your freight requirements from booking to delivery. You are our business - boss because, as the saying goes, ‘The best executive is the one who has sense so we go beyond expectations to enough to pick good men to do what he deliver yours. wants done and self restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it’.

Warehouse Relocation Services

At Beyond Freight & Logistics we are specialists in arranging the safe, time and cost effective business of moving you to your new facility. We pay you a personal visit to establish site and logistic capabilities, we then quote the most cost effective way, and the most time effective way to help make your move as smooth as possible.

This is so true however, with a dedicated team managing your business requirements, we can guarantee that you will not find this service anywhere else.

Today we are a substantial pain in our competitors’ behind; always there and always ready to make it happen. If you would like to join the winning team, then contact me today.

- jenny@beyondfreight.co.nz

How easy can it be? We specialise in this area and have many happy customers who would still be moving premises today had they not found Beyond Freight & Logistics.

Core Values Our core values are based on being honest and reliable – we won’t tell you that your freight can get to a destination on time if it can’t and we make sure that we keep

Beyond Freight & Logistics Ltd T (09) 627 0327 E sales@beyondfreight.co.nz www.beyondfreight.co.nz

Transport & Motoring | Phoenix Specialty Vehicles AJ Hackett’s two new bungy buses were built by Phoenix Specialty Vehicles.

Built to last Ordering a customised bus from Phoenix Specialty Vehicles means you’re choosing strength, safety and longevity - qualities every vehicle owner should strive to achieve.

Phoenix Specialty Vehicles is the only bus manufacturer in New Zealand using a unique monocoque construction technique with composite materials.

“The longevity of our buses is a big thing, as well as their strength and safety,” owner Ulf Schoefisch says.

76 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

High-tech composite bus bodies Typically, bus makers use a metal framework of steel or aluminium to create a structure and then clad it with non-load bearing panels made from metal or fibreglass.

then joins them together. Different foams and weaves are used at different strengths, creating the composite structure.

Safety and longevity

Phoenix’s monocoque technique is effectively a single shell, with the entire exterior shell contributing to the structural strength of the body.

Ulf says the safety benefits of a composite body cannot be overstated. The development of a carbon fibre composite cockpit has revolutionised Formula One safety and contributed to significantly fewer serious injuries in the sport.

The company has taken the best technology available and applied it to its vehicle bodies.

In simple terms, it puts layers of fibreglass material and a polyester-based resin into a mould to create two halves of the body, and

Although Phoenix uses more cost effective composite materials, the key advantages of monocoque construction remain the same lighter weight, substantial strength and the ability to easily mould to different shapes.

Phoenix has conducted roll-over testing, with body deflection a low 300mm. When the weight was removed the body popped back into shape, which would not happen with a steel-framed vehicle.

Low maintenance levels are another big advantage with a Phoenix composite body bus.

“Other vehicles will need a lot more maintenance after five years, and after 15 years they have no resale value left,” Ulf says.

“Our buses last longer. The body will be in the same shape 15 years from now and if you look at the total lifespan, the cost of our bus will be quite a bit lower.”

Transport & Motoring | Phoenix Specialty Vehicles

Phoenix’s composite body buses are renowned for their strength, safety and longevity.

Phoenix Specialty Vehicles produces made-to-order vehicles to suit customer specifications, ranging from 20-57 seats.

These include: • Tour coaches • Charter buses • Tilt-cab school buses • Front-entry school and charter buses • 4x4 heavy duty vehicles.

Phoenix has taken the best technology available and applied it to its vehicle bodies.

Core focus on the bus market

Phoenix buses throughout NZ

Phoenix Specialty Vehicles is now focused almost exclusively on building coaches and buses to meet the growing market for strong high quality vehicles.

Phoenix Specialty Vehicles has made buses for customers all around New Zealand, including two bungy buses for AJ Hackett and several vehicles for NZ Ski in Queenstown.

While the company originally concentrated on building luxury motorhomes, its focus shifted after being purchased by Ulf Schoefisch in May 2010.

“Our buses are ideal for the harsh Queenstown winter environment because the bodies are strong and the fibreglass is less prone to damage from accidents,” he says.

“It’s a concept that appeals very much to operators who need a robust vehicle.”

“Breaking into the bus market is not an easy thing to do, but business is growing,” Ulf says.

“We will never be able to mass produce buses. We can’t do that because we build with a mould and it can only hold one vehicle at a time. We’re in the customised and specialist vehicle field.”

Phoenix can build up to 20 vehicles a year from its new 1100-square-metre facility in Whangarei, where an innovative and highly skilled team is employed.

Ulf is considering having a second mould made to double the company’s capabilities.

He is also considering moving into the manufacture of small truck bodies.

The advantages of Phoenix Specialty Vehicles’ monocoque composite fibreglass bodies include: • Strong structure based on high roll over test standards

Phoenix is also currently building a 13.5-metre tour bus, which will take 16 weeks to complete. “We’ve also built quite a range of school buses. Even though we’re in Northland, they’re all over the country.”

Phoenix Specialty Vehicles 11 Dyer Street Whangarei 0110 T (09) 430 3620 M 021 429 779 E ulf@phoenixsv.co.nz www.phoenixsv.co.nz — Advertising Feature

• No joints and no steel framing • No risk of de-lamination and premature deterioration • Non-corrosive materials ideal for vehicle operation in harsh conditions

• Materials enable easy maintenance

• Durability of material guarantees cost effective longterm vehicle operation

• Easy and cost effective to repair in case of damage

• Moulded body construction provides stylish exterior

• Core materials add to insulation of the vehicles

• High quality moulds generate straight body surfaces

• Superior vehicle body construction enhances life span and re-sale value. www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 77

Transport & Motoring | Turners Panelbeating

Photo credit: Ethan Schwalger

Repairs

you can depend on

Turners Panelbeating Limited can prove it does a great job on every vehicle it repairs, offering customers a comprehensive proof-of-work document - a folder containing photos, gifts and surveys.

High quality service

Competitive pricing

Based in Target Road, Glenfield, Turners Panelbeating specialises in Toyota, Lexus and Diahatsu repairs. The company has been repairing company vehicles and family cars for more than 36 years.

Through its high-quality suppliers (including IAG’s ORM system and Parts Trader), Turners Panelbeating is often able to secure costeffective genuine parts for less than the price of quality used parts.

It is the nominated repairer for North Shore Toyota and is a preferred repairer for several major insurance companies, including Vero, Toyota Insurance and AMI.

Plus, genuine parts means it can guarantee repairs for the lifetime of the vehicle, return the vehicle to the manufacturer’s specifications and preserve the warranty which keeps clients happy.

“Our biggest focus is on the Toyota brand, although we do repair all makes and models,” director Tyler Schwalger says. “My goal is to be the best Toyota repairer in Auckland and eventually open another workshop.”

Turners Panelbeating’s significant improvements in the last two years include new equipment, an upgraded mixing room, a newer loan car fleet, increased staff training and improved recycling of steel, plastics and solvents. It is also in the process of implementing a waterborne system, including a body shop emissions programme.

“Our commitment to continuous improvement keeps us ahead of the competition,” Tyler says.

“Because every stage of repair is traceable and monitored, we deliver a quality service, on time.”

Turners has a fleet of loan cars to keep clients mobile and grooms their vehicle before they collect it.

Documented repair process Turners Panelbeating follows guidelines set

by Lexus, Toyota and Daihatsu among others, including specifications for crumple zones and airbag triggering.

A major point of difference from other panelbeaters is that Turners Panelbeating offers full photographic evidence of the work

Turners Panelbeating follows guidelines set by Lexus, Toyota and Daihatsu among others; including specifications for crumple zones and airbag triggering.

It uses the correct equipment and documents its work with a photographic record of every repair – accountable to you all the way. that has been done on every vehicle that comes into its workshop.

“We take photos of each stage so we can give them to the customer to show that we’ve gone through each process,” Tyler says.

“We do quality repairs and we document

Contributing to the community Turners Panelbeating does a large amount of charity work in an effort to give back to its local community.

This work includes: • Work for Steps for Life, a non-profit organisation aimed to support young people in the drive against obesity • Donating to Auckland Westpac Helicopter Trust • Director Tyler Schwalger took part in a 2010 panelbeaters versus assessors fight for the Breast Cancer Cure Research Trust, in which Schwalger got the only knockout of the night. The event raised $205,000 net profit for the trust.

We wish Tyler and his team all the very best for the future 09 633 4920 | F. 09 636 9751 | www.sikkenscr.com.au

Automotive Refinish Technology are proud to supply

This attention to detail has seen sales grow steadily in recent years.

Award winning ways Turners Panelbeating’s quality work and good business practices have been recognised in recent industry awards.

The company was a finalist in the collision repair category of the MTA awards in 2010.

It also won the 2012 Westpac Auckland North Flintfox Excellence in Information Management business award last October.

The Westpac Flintfox award for information management recognises the emphasis Turners Panelbeating has put on using technology to improve its operations.

Comprehensive IT systems have been put in place to monitor and evaluate performance, as well as to provide evidence of repairs.

All invoicing and information management can be done online, with the company effectively operating a paperless office system.

Tyler says the success in these awards helps prove the quality of Turners Panelbeating’s work to customers and insurance companies. “The awards show that we follow a process. We like the structure of having processes and being able to see how everything is working out,” he says.

The team at Otbury Refinish Solutions are pleased to congratulate Turners on winning this award.

T.

everything so the customer can see that what we’ve said we’ll do, we have actually done.

The fact that Toyota has given us approval shows we’re doing everything properly.”

Reduce Risk, Cut Costs

By Creating Safer Drivers

Turners Panelbeating Limited 147 Target Road Glenfield Auckland T (09) 444 7217 E turners.panel@clear.net.nz www.turnerspanelbeating.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Turners PanelBeating Ltd with Glasurit Automotive Refinish Paint Systems Leading car paint technology from Germany

78 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

0800 380 580 www.sureplan.co.nz

P: 09 527 6438 M: 021 2749 387 www.onformsigns.co.nz

Transport & Motoring | Alliance Truck & Bus

Heavy vehicle

maintenance to rely on

The team at Alliance Truck and Bus has the expertise and experience to offer a complete maintenance and repair service on trucks, buses and trailers.

Branch manager Mike Searle says his team of 26 can fully manage its customers’ fleets with their maintenance requirements.

Large well-equipped facility Alliance Truck and Bus operates from an extensive site in Langley Road, Wiri, where it can cater to a large number of vehicles at one time.

“We have a huge facility. We have 10 drivethrough repair bays, including three drivethrough service pits,” Mike says.

“It’s a very well-equipped workshop and is only five years old - it’s probably the biggest site of its type in New Zealand.”

The facility also includes two non-drive through repair bays, an overhead gantry

crane, a computerised Permex oil dispensing unit, two sets of vehicle hoists, a roller brake machine, a covered steam cleaning bay and a large concrete parking area.

“We have our own auto electrician on site and we offer an airconditioning service for trucks.

We have a fulltime driver for COFs, pick ups and deliveries,” he says.

Other than its one apprentice, all of Alliance Truck and Bus workshop employees are qualified technicians, including factory-trained technicians in both the Volvo and UD Trucks products.

The company enjoys low staff turnover rates, with many employed for more than 10 years and some for 30 years. This high staff retention is a huge bonus for customers, who can form long-term relationships with the people servicing and maintaining their vehicles. “We treat people well, and look after them,” Mike says.

Alliance Truck and Bus services a wide range of customers, from single owner-drivers through to large transport companies with fleets of 65 trucks. Most of that servicing is done at night.

Alliance Truck and Bus is the Auckland region’s service and parts agent for Volvo Truck and Bus and UD Trucks

Alliance Truck and Bus is a maintenance support specialist, offering: • Airconditioning service and repair • Auto electrical on site • The latest diagnostic equipment • Courtesy car • Night shift operation 4.30pm to 1am (same hourly rate) Mon-Fri

Automotive & Heavy Machinery Specialists

Chipped? Cracked? Broken?

SALES & REPAIR OF ALL TYPES OF DIESEL PUMPS, INJECTORS AND TURBOCHARGERS

Alliance Truck and Bus operates a huge facility in Wiri

• Parts representative • Castrol Oil supplier

DIESEL SERVICE CENTRE LIMITED

“We run two shifts and we have a night shift that comes on at 4.30pm. When our customers work during the day they can get their trucks and buses serviced at night.

We also have two dedicated 24/7 vans for breakdown call outs and emergency work.”

>

The company specialises in repairs and maintenance and offers a wide range of truck and bus services, including airconditioning, auto electrical, mobile breakdown, major overhaul and parts and service.

A big point of difference for Alliance Truck and Bus is its long opening hours, with the workshop staffed from 7am until 1am, five days a week. This is done in order to meet customers’ needs and get their vehicles back on the road as soon as possible.

>

Alliance Truck and Bus is the Auckland region service and parts agent for Volvo Truck and Bus and UD Trucks.

Long operating hours

• Mobile breakdown parts and service 24/7 • 10 drive-through repair bays • Factory-trained technicians

Alliance Truck and Bus 7 Langley Road, Wiri T (09) 250 2791 (parts) T (09) 250 2799 (service) — Advertising Feature

• Saturday morning appointments • Workshop open from 7am Mon-Sat.

Diesel engine diagnostics, Fuel System and Turbo charger repair Specialists.

call the automotive windscreen specialists

Proud to support Alliance Truck + Bus Freephone: 0800 161 606 Mobile: 027 592 2067, Phone: 09 279 9379 Email: gsgwindscreens@xtra.co.nz

0800 4 DIESEL 09 2980021 | F: 09 2980071 marty@dieselservicecentre.co.nz

P: E:

www.dieselservicecentre.co.nz

17 East Tamaki Road, Hunters Corner, Papatoetoe

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 79

Transport & Motoring | Kelvin Armstrong Auto Repairs

Only the best

for your car

If you are in need of a new car part for your Mitsubishi, or perhaps just need someone to do your annual service, then look no further than West Auckland-based KAAR Mitsubishi. This locally owned and run car repair business has opened its newly licensed Mitsubishi workshop – the only one in West Auckland.

What this means is West Auckland Mitsubishi owners will no longer need to drive across town just to get their cars fixed, thanks to the newly licensed Mitsubishi Service and Parts facility in Henderson.

Kelvin Armstrong Auto Repair (KAAR) owner, Kelvin Armstrong says the service offering now available, on top of 19 years’ experience with all brands, is now complemented with the Mitsubishi Franchise add on, enabling them to do all warranty repair and servicing.

He says the license is a “pat on the back” for his team and that it was certainly a privilege to be approached by multi-national Mitsubishi in 2012.

Kelvin points out that, as rewarding as the Mitsubishi stamp is, it will also create an opportunity for his company to further grow.

“It gives us the opportunity to get trained on the latest technology straight out of the door, rather than three years later. It gives us access to a broad spectrum of technology, electronics and vehicles.

“We now have the opportunity to learn new technology a lot faster,” he says.

Keeping in the game Intensive research and training is something that KAAR has always put at the forefront of its vision. “We are well known for training our staff,” Kelvin says. “We focus on getting our staff trained, we do our research and find ways of improving all the time.”

He points out this works to not only ensure that clients receive top quality service, but it also helps with staff morale. “This works well for staff retention, our team grows, it’s

profitable and rewarding for them and makes them grow in themselves.”

Summary of services

Today the team at KAAR has more than 120 years of combined experience under its belt.

All KAAR technicians are industry certified and use the best available automotive technology to deliver a comprehensive, professional service. In general all workmanship done by the team has a minimum 12 months or 20,000 kilometre (whichever comes first), guarantee.

• Vehicle servicing

One stop shop

• Suspension repairs

Getting your car repaired at KAAR simply couldn’t be easier. “We are truly a one stop shop,” Kelvin says. “We have resolved that we do 98 percent of our work in house.”

This ensures KAAR has control over the quality and the price of service – ensuring no nasty surprises on your invoice.

KAAR offers complete automotive, mechanical and electrical repair and service. All makes and models, cars or vans, four wheel drives, light trucks, petrol, diesel or hybrids – KAAR has got it covered.

In the beginning The KAAR story began almost two decades ago back in April 1994. “I was a frustrated employee,” Kelvin says. “If I had my own business I could do it my way and get things done myself.”

He says it’s this drive to just go ahead and do things that has been the key to his business’ success. “If it works, we test it and we go with it straight away.”

• Service products • Electronic engine tuning • Brake repairs

• Transmission servicing automatic • Clutch and gearbox repairs • Diagnostics scanning • Glass repairs and replacements (windscreens and door glass) • Electrical repairs • Batteries • Air conditioning • Radiator and cooling system repairs and servicing • Tyre sales and repairs • Engine, gearbox and diff overhauls and repairs • Courtesy vehicles • Car valet and grooming • Seatbelts.

While you wait Warrant of Fitness KAAR offers a WOF inspection while you wait – no booking necessary. However if you still prefer to book in advance, KAAR is more than happy to do that too.

WOF for life As the title suggests, KAAR offers Warrant of Fitness inspections for the life of the vehicle. Simply pay the recommended retail price of $299 and in return get a retail value of up to $1,000 worth of WOF inspections for the lifetime of your vehicle (maximum 10 years).

FREE PICK UP & DELIVERY

SAME DAY SERVICE ALL MAKES cars, trucks, tractors, commercial vehicles

Loan cars KAAR wants you back on the road as soon as possible, so while you wait, use one of its 10 loan cars to get you where you need to go.

MON-FRI 7.30am to 5.oopm, SAT 8am to 1.oopm Ph: 836 1287 Or: 836 1440, E: radserv@ihug.co.nz, 12B Moselle Ave, Henderson

www.westernradiators.co.nz

YOUR LOCAL, AWARD WINNING WORKSHOP • 12 Months 20,000km Warranty • AA Licensed Repairer • NZ Qualified Technicians

• Authorised for all Warranty Companies • Mechanical & Electrical Repairs on site • Authorised for lease companies 5 Waipareira Ave

80 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

14 Te Pai Place, Henderson

Transport & Motoring | Kelvin Armstrong Auto Repairs

Customers know best

Quality Partners

He says KAAR is always thinking of its clients, because “without our customers there would be no business”.

KAAR has teamed up with industry leading partners so it can deliver the best for its customers. Its partnerships include well known names such as Auto Super Shoppes, the AA, and MTA.

It is for this reason that Kelvin ensures his staff are well trained in all aspects of the business; from turning automotive jargon into English, to writing an invoice, answering the phones and of course fixing the cars. No task is too menial or too technical for the team at KAAR. “We are focused on not baffling the customer, we try to be clear. We make it easy,” he says.

“We aim to provide speedy optimum service for our customers.”

“

Testimonials “Western Mailing has been using Kelvin Armstrong Auto Repairs to service our fleet of company vehicles since 2005 and have found both their quality of repair and service, to be exceptional.

“As a provider of high quality mailing services, we require nothing less from our suppliers and for this reason we would not use anyone else but Kelvin Armstrong Auto Repairs.

“The attitude and service of the team at KAAR is always friendly and efficient and we would highly recommend them to anyone else, requiring auto repairs and servicing.”

- Fraser Haldane, sales and marketing manager, Western Mailing, Avondale

Along with many other programmes and associations, it is also a member of YES, an association of top automotive workshops who specialise in automotive electronic diagnostics.

By being a member, KAAR can share and receive additional technical knowledge through networking that ultimately benefits its customers.

“As a regular client, you make things un-stressful, you make breakdowns easy to deal with, you never keep us waiting; you are great!!”

- S Gibbons “I recently got a WOF reminder from you guys forwarded through from my old address - and while I’d love to come get the Camry serviced with you boys again, sadly I’ve moved to Wellington and while I survived driving Ellerslie to Avondale for a few years, for services, I don’t think I can make it up from Welly!

“But since I hold you gents in high esteem for the great work you’ve done since I started bringing the car to you guys in 2003... do you know any good mechanics in Wellington? If not, don’t worry about it - but just wanted to say thanks for all the effort over the last four years, and all the best!”

- Finn Higgins

”

LUBRICANTS. T E C H N O L O G Y. PEOPLE. www.Fuchs.co.nz

Proudly supporting Kelvin and the quality workmanship his team deliver The world’s leading independent Lubricant Manufacturer

Awards 2010 – Westpac Business Awards: Best Small Business

KAAR Group 0800 522 734 E info@kaar.co.nz www.kaar.co.nz

2010 – MTA Best Workshop 2011 – MTA Best Workshop 2012 – Westpac Business Awards: Best Small Business.

KAAR Avondale 357 Rosebank Road Corner of Copsey Place & Rosebank Road Avondale 1026 Auckland T (09) 828 0080 KAAR Henderson 5B Waipareira Ave Henderson 0610 Auckland T (09) 836 5100 KAAR Mitsubishi 14 TePai Place Henderson 0610 Auckland T (09) 836 5101

— Advertising Feature

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 81

Transport & Motoring | Kingsford Motor Bodies Ltd

Kingsford Motor Bodies in Manukau is a specialist in the transport industry and can build or repair any type of truck body to meet every requirement.

The company has been building trucks for 35 years and has the experience and qualifications to meet any transport need.

It can build any type of truck body, including flexi-siders and slider-sides, chiller and freezer bodies, flat top and drop sides, horse trucks, glass trucks and maintenance vehicles - and can also do a wide range of repairs and modifications.

The truck body

experts

The company has grown from a one man operation to employing 10 staff under the leadership of owner Grant Kingsford.

No repair job is too big or small and the company has developed a reputation for taking on difficult or unusual jobs and completing them to a high standard.

Today the skilled team will design to any budget and specifications and organise any painting and signage required. They also take care of all certification required and will organise a Certificate Of Fitness.

Trucks can be re-clad in a new light weight, strong aluminium cladding system, which can be powder coated to any colour. They are fitted to the RHS steel framework, making a strong body.

Kingsford Motor Bodies employs only top tradesmen and certified welders and guarantees its workmanship and materials to the highest quality standard.

“Whether it’s a new truck or a repair, we do a very good job with a truck body,” Grant says.

“We work in with the customers, particularly owner-driver, to get their bodies done at the quickest convenience to them.”

Large alteration market Kingsford Motor Bodies undertakes a large amount of repairs and alterations, including insurance work. This work includes roof leaks, panel damage, roller doors, container doors, curtain repairs, chiller repairs, body swaps, fitting tail lifts and raising or lowering the height of a body.

Important client relationships

“We do all of Frucor’s and Rentokil’s slider side bodies,” Grant says. “We’ve been doing Frucor’s work for 25 years.”

Kingsford Motor Bodies has secured several major clients in recent years.

Since June last year it has built a number of chiller and freezer truck bodies for Bidvest.

Because transport is a tough industry, forming strong relationships is extremely important. “It is about making sure they are always happy with the service and product we deliver to them.”

He says transport is a tough industry and forming strong relationships with customers is extremely important. These relationships extend to suppliers such as Palfinger, which provides tail lifts, and Plywood City, which supplies a large amount of plywood and other building materials.

The Truck Body Specialists Builds • Repairs • Modifications 25 McLaughlins Road Wiri, Manukau, Auckland 2104 New Zealand.

82 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

(09) 278 0294 info@kingsfordmotorbodies.co.nz w. www.kingsfordmotorbodies.co.nz P.

E.

Transport & Motoring | Kingsford Motor Bodies Ltd Grant Kingsford cares so much about his customers and staff he bought Kingsford Motor Bodies out of receivership four years ago after selling it 18 months earlier.

He says he sold a strong business in 2007 and was extremely disappointed to see it go into receivership less than two years later. “I didn’t want to see my customers lose out and I hated the thought of my former workers losing their jobs.

Kingsford Motor Bodies does a range of repairs and modifications, including: • All types of repair work

Transport & Motoring | Suzuki

Suzuki’s

crossover concept

• Insurance work • Certifications

“I bought the business back again. The last four years have been very hard up until the last year when we finally experienced a big growth in work.”

• Body extensions

He attributes this growth to the positive way the company treats its clients and the high standard of work it completes. “We work six days a week and will work to suit our clients’ requirements. If it needs to be done, we’ll work late and get it done in a day.”

• Converting trucks to curtainsider

• Raising body height • Fitting or repairing doors

• Fitting ring feeders and tow bars • Fitting tail lifts and cranes • Design work • Spare parts.

A highlight of last year’s Paris Motor Show and set for release later in 2013, is Suzuki’s S-Cross—a concept car the company calls a crossover model.

The S-Cross is a bold move for the traditionally small car manufacturer and marks Suzuki’s full-scale entry into the C-segment crossover market.

Kingsford Motor Bodies can build:

Designed primarily for comfort, the S-Cross will also offer plenty of practicality by providing one of the largest luggage areas for C-segment crossover cars.

• Flexi-side and slider-side • Chiller and freezer bodies • Tippers, Luton and box bodies

Kingsford Motor Bodies Limited 25 McLaughlins Road Wiri

• Flat top drop sides

Auckland

• Horse trucks

T (09) 278 0294

• Maintenance vehicles

M 021 478 804 E info@kingsfordmotorbodies.co.nz

• Glass trucks

www.kingsfordmotorbodies.co.nz

• Tyre trucks

— Advertising Feature

• Clothing trucks • Container twist locks • Fifth wheel • Tail-lifts • Tool boxes, storage containers.

HARTS CHARTERED A C C O U N TA N T S

BUSINESS ADVISORS

Howick and Pakuranga’s leading firm of chartered accountants providing professional and personal service for over 30 years.

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• Business and Taxation Advice • Taxation • Planning and Returns • Budgets and Cashflows • New Business Evaluations • Business Development • Loan Applications • Computer Services and Support • Family Trust Planning • Company Formations • Rental Property Accounts Level 1, 320 Ti Rakau Drive, East Tamaki.

Ph 272-4000 • Fax 272-4015 Email alistair@harts.co.nz

What the S-Cross represents Suzuki putting the thinking caps on to expand its fleet to meet a wider range of user needs.

Suzuki is also ensuring the new crossover inherits the on-road handling and performance excellence of the Swift series, the SX4 and the Kizashi.

Suzuki says it’s ensuring the new model will offer drivability which encompasses gentle, fuel-saving driving, sporty driving, and even driving on snow. It will maximise the enjoyment of day-to-day tasks such as commuting or carrying children as well as the pleasure of longer trips at weekends; in short, it will allow people to get the most out of urban lifestyles and embody Suzuki’s vision of a smart crossover for more freedom in daily life.

Design elements * There are dynamic lines running from the front bumper to the rear of the body, chrome-plated features which extend deep into the body from LED fog lamps in the front bumper, and LED headlamps and tail lamps with organic designs suggesting the muscles of an animal * Quality is evident in the mesh front grille consisting of dark chrome and silky chrome and by innovatively designed roof rails which are flush with the roof line when not in use * Aerodynamics are revealed in a roofline which slopes downwards towards the rear and by smooth contours on the sides of the front bumper, at the bottom of the doors and on the sides of the rear bumper.

The shape of the body helps the vehicle meet increasingly tough demands for fuel economy * Toughness and durability are seen in the front skid plate, boldly flared wing arches and under mouldings, and in the 20-inch chrome wheels.

PLYWOOD CITY DISTRIBUTORS OF PLYWOOD ALL GRADES, MDF & PARTICLE BOARD

SIGN PANELS ACM, CORFLUTE, ACRYLIC & PLASTICS

Specifications

BAGGED CONCRETE REGULAR CONCRETE, QUICK SETTING MORTAR

Overall length 4.3m

P: 09 580 0242 E: sales@plywoodcity.co.nz www.plywoodcity.co.nz

Wheelbase 2.6m

Overall width 1.8m Overall height 1.6m

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 83

Initiatives | Casting Shop

1.

Just ask and they cast The founder and owner of the Casting Shop foundry, Ian Close has one maxim – “you ask, we cast”.

His reputation as a man who gets the job done according to clients requirements, whether that be a one off R&D project or a production run, extends well beyond his Christchurch base, with a growing number of Auckland businesses and even companies across the Tasman coming to Ian to take advantage of his knowledge of foundry work, which has been built during 45 years in the industry.

Ian began his involvement in the foundry industry in 1966 and after completing a four year apprenticeship he headed to Australia on a Rotary initiated Craftsman Training Scholarship to extend his knowledge and skill base. He worked in Australia and studied for several years before returning home to Christchurch and after two years Ian began working for Kingston Close Ltd in which he became a partner. After 29 years at Kingston Close he branched out on his own, setting up Casting Shop Ltd six years ago with wife Rosemary.

“In many ways I am a problem solver and it is my extremely experienced staff who assist with providing the solutions. There is very little we can’t or won’t do.

“Most of our customers come to me with a problem and we come up with a solution – some are easy and others take longer.

“We assess the customer’s need, work with them to determine what they exactly want and to what level of finish they require.

“For example, a manufacturer will come to us with a design and a rough idea for the fittings they require. We work with them to flesh out the design for those fittings, determine what casting process is the best to create the mould, then we manufacture.”

produce one off pieces, from vintage car parts and sculptured art works, through to short production runs of parts for the manufacturing and farming industries through to top end high performance components.

Casting Shop also manufactures for the civil and domestic market, including everything from street grates and street furniture to fire grates and heater parts. In addition to the manufacturing and farming areas, a lot of Casting Shop’s advanced work goes to the marine, health, dairy, food and agriculture industries.

“With our electric melting furnaces we are able to melt various aluminium alloys, brass and bronze alloys, cast irons, Ni-hard, Ni-resist and chrome irons, together with various grades of steels and stainless steel. Our smallest casting is 10 grams,” Ian says.

“We are in constant contact with pattern makers (old school and digital) and machine shops, so in many cases we are able to go from concept to completion.

“What we are seeing is some of our customers are finding their overseas manufactured products do not have the same quality, both in terms of accuracy and finish, that we are able to make in New Zealand affordably.”

Ian says the foundry industry in New Zealand is a very strong fraternity and if on the rare occasion he is stumped by a customer’s request, he knows he will be able to find a solution among the collective minds of his foundry colleagues.

Since moving to the Watts Road premises in Christchurch, Ian has expanded the premises to include a wholesale shop, which is a great benefit to his local customers, but also acts as a window into the business for his North Island clients.

“In the last few years we having been attracting a greater number of customers from the North Island, particularly from Auckland, as we have developed a growing reputation “Green Sand is the oldest method of moulding not only for getting the job done, but also known to man, using sand, water and clay,” tackling the more complex work other Ian explains. It is used in over 40 percent of foundries are not set up for.” the work we do and meets most people’s Ian acknowledges most of the kudos for the needs due to its dimensional accuracy, finish and cost.”

Casting Shop’s growing reputation for quality and accuracy goes to his staff. “Most of my Chemical Sand is a quicker process that produces a higher quality surface finish and is staff have over 20 years experience in the industry and we wouldn’t be able to operate a little more expensive. to the level we do without them.”

The Lost Wax process is used when the customer demands a product with the highest Ian says that his team is very nimble, flexible quality finish and the greatest accuracy. and responsive, making work like breakdowns Casting Shop utilises three mould making processes – Green Sand, Chemical Sand and Lost Wax, also known as Investment Casting.

The three processes allow the Casting Shop to

easy to fit in, usually with overnight delivery.

Burning out th

Testimonial John Stevens (PhD Agronomy) is founder and director of Flexiseeder Ltd, involved with the research, development and production of agricultural machinery around the world. When John wanted to update plot seeder machinery he included Ian Close and the Casting Shop as part of his development team.

“I have worked with foundries internationally and I can safely say there is no one in the world better at what he does than Ian and the team at Casting Shop. 90 percent of our product is exported into developed economies.

“This has grown to a $2 million development project and accuracy was a key part of what we had to achieve if it was to be successful on the world stage.

“Plot seeder machinery hadn’t kept up to date with modern requirements in some key areas and as part of updating the machinery to international standards, we had to be able to cast components which had not been cast before.

ould

Wax burnt out, ready to pour the stainless steel in

“From the concept stage, through research and development, to testing and production Ian’s assistance was pivotal.

Pouring th

e stainle

4.

3.

ss steel in to the m

ould

Metal poured in the mould but still hot “Ian’s ability as a lateral thinker, his ability to work as part of a team and the quality of the finished work means the completed product is now a major player in the international market.

“We would not have got this far without the assistance of Ian, Rosemary and the Casting Shop team.”

, cold with Poured mould d off ceramic knocke

- John Stevens, founder and director, Flexiseeder Ltd

Casting Shop 5A Watts Road Christchurch T (03) 341 6070 E info@castingshop.co.nz www.castingshop.co.nz — Advertising Feature

84 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

2.

em e wax from th

The finished product

5.

6.

ni resist

chrome irons

steel

ni hard

bronze

sg iron

cast irons

aluminium

stainless steel

“you ask, we cast”.

“Most of my customers come to me with a problem and we come up with a solution – some are easy and others take longer.

“We assess the customer’s needs, work with them to determine what they exactly want and to what level of finish they require.

“For example a manufacturer will come to us with a design and a rough idea for the fittings they require.

We work with them to flesh out the design for those fittings, determine what casting process is the best to create the mould, then we manufacture.”

Casting Shop utilizes three mould making processes – Green Sand, Chemical Sand and Lost Wax also known as Investment Casting.

The Casting Shop works with: Marine industry: Propeller, impeller, stators, boat fittings, roof clamps, bollards Health industry: Wheelchair parts, bed fittings, foor hinges, fire door catches and fittings, window latches Art work: Works cast in bronze, lost wax a speciality

Manufacturing: Boiler parts, pumps and machines Civil: Street work (full range), street furniture Farming: Roller bearings, ploughshares, roller rings

Meat Industry: Various parts, conveying parts

Domestic: Fire grates, heater parts

Food Industry: Mixing augers, knives, various fittings

And much, much more...

5A Watts Road, PO Box 11032, Christchurch Ph: 03 341 6070, Fax: 03 341 6080, E: info@castingshop.co.nz www.castingshop.co.nz

Agriculture: Decotting hooks, cutting tips, animal handling fittings

Goods & Services | Ponsonby Central

Auckland’s Ponsonby district is welcoming a chic newcomer to its already buzzing retail scene.

Dressed in heritagestyle, with a striking façade and two golden lions standing guard, this newly renovated shopping complex, Ponsonby Central, is the place to go to shop and eat in style.

Ponsonby Central’s eclectic mix

Opened last November, Ponsonby Central promises to be more than just another mall, but a unique complex offering Aucklanders a range of boutique products and produce alongside a row of restaurants offering a vast array of culinary delights.

Even the most avid of foodies will not be at a loss to find something to tantalise their taste buds, with the fresh fruit and produce market, fresh fish, street food stalls, cafés, a wine bar, wine shop, pizza outlet, a Japanese eatery and numerous other restaurants to choose from.

The interior food lanes, boutique shops, a local produce market and stylish eateries create an exciting maze for visitors to explore; from the outdoor market, to the designer furniture store, a cotton store and even an in-house radio station.

Here is just a taster of some of the stores and restaurants that can be found at Ponsonby Central – so drop on by and see for yourself what else this newcomer to the Ponsonby scene has to offer.

Gather your 5+ a day from the Ceres Fresh Market This newly opened market offers a variety of fresh and organic produce direct to its customers, from the hands of its trusted growers. Ceres Market specialises in providing certified organic produce.

Choose your cut at Neat Meat This is the place to go for a slice of some of New Zealand’s best meat. One hundred percent New Zealand owned and operated, this family business has been supplying some of New Zealand’s best restaurants for the past 11 years.

In its new site, in the Ponsonby Central complex, Aucklanders can now get a taste of the top-quality meat straight from the source.

Choose from a range of supreme beef cuts, lamb, pork, venison, veal, deli meats, chicken or even a fully prepared BBQ pack all ready to be thrown on the barbie.

Neat Meat T 0800 NEATMEAT (63286328) www.neatmeat.com

Go seafood at Jimmy the Fish

While this can mean that stock is limited at times due to the seasonal availability of some produce, this just highlights the integrity of Ceres’ vision, to offer its customers fresh, organic food. In addition, all its produce is spray free and grown using sustainable agricultural methods.

This seafood joint offers some of the freshest, yummiest fish in Auckland City.

Longtime legend on the Auckland seafood scene, owner Jimmy Gerard, who buys fish for restaurants around the city and runs a seafood stall at La Cigale, has taken on a new challenge and moved into Ponsonby Central to run Jimmy the Fish.

Customers to the market should also stop by its fresh juice and smoothie bar, where seasonal juices are prepared fresh daily, ready to be drunk right off the shelf.

Despite its simple rustic look, this place is more than your typical fish and chip shop.

There’s an enticing menu full of the best seafood the city has on offer, including the scrumptious battered terakihi and handcut chips, or rich Tuscan seafood risotto.

Ceres Market T (09) 215 8391

Jimmy the Fish T (09) 360 1554

Order Now!

Tel: 09 378 7544 Shop 14, Ponsonby Central Market, Ponsonby Road

86 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Goods & Services | Ponsonby Central Get a loaf at Little Bread and Butter This boutique bakery offers up a sumptuous array of fresh loaves and pastries, all on show in its glass case and shelves. The pastries are made just the way a great pastry should - soft and buttery with a texture that just melts in your mouth; the range of breads are all served fresh with a deliciously enticing aroma.

There is also a selection of ready-made sandwiches on offer and fresh Five Elements espresso coffee.

Little Bread and Butter T (09) 376 4007

Enjoy a Thai culinary adventure at Wang Thong Thai Wang Thong Thai Fusion’s new home at Ponsonby Central is the perfect place for Aucklanders to embark on a Thai adventure.

Enjoy the exotic ambiance while dining on some of Wang Thong’s signature dishes, including the Moo Yang Grilled Pork with red wine, the ever popular Gang Gari Yellow Curry, or the old-school favourites like Tawhu Pad Krapow and vegetable fried rice.

Buy your shade of cotton at Wallace Cotton This family run company has been in business for the past seven years. The Wallace Cotton brand has, during this time, become synonymous with good design and quality at an affordable price.

It offers an extensive range of top-quality linen products from designer bed-linen to pillowcases, aprons and tablecloths.

Wallace Cotton 0800 222 122 www.wallacecotton.com

Wang Thong Thai T (09) 378 7544 www.wangthongthai.co.nz

Redecorate your house with the Zoo Warehouse This furniture supplier has directly sourced a range of quality, exotic pieces of furniture and accessories at an affordable price. Grab a new teak bench seat with beautiful tile detailing for your backyard, an unstained wooden entertainment cabinet, or a rustic front shuttered cabinet – no two items are the same.

Zoo Warehouse owner, Caroline has brought together her love of quirky pieces and travel to create this furniture store with a difference. So drop on by, say hello and buy something to suit your own unique style.

Zoo Warehouse T (09) 378 7020 E caroline@zoowarehouse.co.nz www.zoowarehouse.co.nz

Grab a slice from Dante’s The secret to this pizzerias award winning pizzas are four simple unique Italian ingredients; tomato, mozzarella, fresh basil and oregano – all combined with the unmistakable, unique aroma of a woodfuelled oven.

This pizzeria offers a range of delicious pizzas made with the best quality, fresh, and natural ingredients giving it a taste that exceeds, by miles, a pizza bought from the usual fast food pizza joint – so just drop on by and grab a slice or two for yourself.

Dante’s Pizza T (09) 378 4443 E info@dantespizza.co.nz www.dantespizza.co.nz

Grab a sizzler at El Sizzling Chorizo A gourmet foodcart selling three types of barbecued sausage; the fat and tasty Argentinian chorizo, the succulent Moroccan lamb sausage, or the German Bratwurst.

Grilled to perfection, each of these delicious sausages makes a perfect light sizzling meal, leaving many a customer salivating for more.

El Sizzling Chorizo T (09) 378 0119 021 181 1224 E elsizzlingchorizo@gmail.com

Get a taste of Japan at the Tokyo Club This gorgeous Japanese restaurant offers guests a meal reminiscent of “little Tokyo”. It offers diners a taste of the unique urban cuisine found in Japan’s busiest city. With its authentic Yockocho styled bar, this stylish restaurant offers lane-way dining and a range of deliciously refreshing Japanese beverages.

The focus on fresh, local ingredients, combined with the amazing tastes and flavours of some very special Japanese dishes, such as teppanyaki, okonomiyaki and sushi, makes Tokyo Club a must visit.

Tokyo Club T (09) 376 8016 info@tokyoclub.co.nz www.tokyoclub.co.nz

Little Bread & Butter Bakery at Ponsonby Central

Baking the old fashioned way with real ingredients, passion and time.

Organic sourdoughs, European specialty breads and handmade cakes, pastries, savouries and sandwiches. www.breadandbutterbakery.co.nz Ph: 09 376 4007, E: info@breadandbutterbakery.co.nz, 7 Richmond Rd, (Market 7, Ponsonby Central), Ponsonby, Auckland City

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 87

Goods & Services | Dalton Apparel

Style your life Dalton Apparel, a name synonymous with style and class, is proudly offering fashionistas a taste of its two latest clothing lines; Vue and Revue.

Revue

Getting to where it is today

Available in sizes 10-24, Revue is a stunning line made from exquisite fabrics and prints.

Vibrant in colour while remaining the picture of elegance.

Dalton’s history has seen the company change ownership, completely switch gender market and have part of the company completely destroyed by a fire.

Vue

Originally founded by John H Dalton in Auckland’s city centre back in 1879, the company tailored fine menswear, specialising in trousers, shorts and bowling creams.

Available in sizes 8-18, Vue delivers form flattering cuts with a playful twist for that added glam factor.

Dalton Apparel designer, Susie Asselstine says the female focused fashion label’s key philosophy is to ‘cater for the discerning woman with a real body shape’.

Smart-casual is the order of the day for Daltons, delivering garments ideal for weekend wear and perfect for the sophisticated 45+ age group. Injecting an element of style into everyday wear, the customer is receiving quality merchandise with undeniable class.

Both Revue and Vue are tailored to the upper echelon of the Auckland, and indeed New Zealand and Australia’s, high standards when it comes to fabrics, style and design - but comfort is also maintained.

“We want our customers to be able to express confidence by looking good in what they wear while maintaining style and comfort,” Susie says.

If you want to view the list of stockists distributing the Vue and Revue ranges, simply visit www.daltonapparel.co.nz, and you can also browse through the range of offerings in the online gallery.

Acquired by a group of Auckland businessmen in 1982 and devastated by a fire in 1993 at the Te Atatu North facility, the company then shifted to Newton in Auckland and sold the menswear division to focus solely on the ladies wear operation.

In 2000 Cherril and John Spooner bought the majority holding of Dalton Apparel and purchased a building in Albany, where the company is currently based, to design and distribute the fashion line.

The Fashion Industry and Dalton Apparel By its own admission, Dalton Apparel flies under the media radar compared to many mainstream fashion labels. But instead the company focus is on the supply of great product to 120 retail outlets throughout New Zealand on a seasonal basis. The company also has a distribution agency agreement in Australia.

The fashion industry often has a rotating door of seasonal product, but Dalton Apparel produces its wares with the utmost quality to stand the test of time and withstand the

three to six month shelf-life. With apparel of the utmost longevity, it’s a little easier on the pocket even if you are a dedicated follower of fashion.

Looking to the future Keep a keen eye on the upcoming lines as Dalton’s begins the in-store deliveries of its winter 2013 range. Daltons continues to look forward to the future of an industry renowned for its continued market changes and with this, facing new challenges along the way.

If you want to be the first to know about latest releases, then simply keep tabs on the company’s website.

Next season’s range is sure to excite loyal customers – so keep your image fresh this season with latest offerings and don’t forget to visit the website to be in with a chance of winning the $250 voucher for the Vue or Revue lines.

Special Offer visit www.daltonapparel.co.nz to win a $250 voucher for Vue or Revue!

Dalton Apparel PO Box 102022 North Shore Mail Centre Auckland T (09) 476 5183 E info@daltonapparel.co.nz www.daltonapparel.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Apparel Line is New Zealand’s leading courier and transport provider to the fashion industry.

Offering door to door services, with delivery the next day within each island, and either next day airfreight, or 2-3 day road services between islands.

This service applies for cartons, satchels and of course hanging garment bags. A true one stop shop for retailers and wholesalers alike apparel line can also move everything from your bulk loose garment to your shop fittings.

www.apparelline.co.nz 11C Sultan Street, Ellerslie - Auckland, Ph: 09 526 1913 or 0800 275 463

88 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Hospitality | Chocolate Brown

A simple

indulgence

It sits perfectly packaged in a gleaming brown shell, with a soft, sweet aroma wafting around to draw in the unwary visitor.

This decadent square of creamy goodness, filled with a delicious Kahlua buttery, creamy chocolate filling and coated with a rich shell of Belgium chocolate, is just one of the many pieces of luxury on offer at the Chocolate Brown chocolaterie in the pretty little town of Warkworth.

Lined up along the Chocolate Brown shelves are multiple sweets and treats; all of which promise a deliciously divine surprise for the taste buds. Take your pick, from the handmade chocolate mice, to the little parcels filled with roasted nuts, fruits and liqueurs.

Chocolate Brown marketing manager, Jess McClean says it is the integrity and passion of those working at the company that has helped Chocolate Brown establish a reputation for itself as a top-quality producer of boutique chocolate treats.

markets, beautiful beaches and the friendly, welcoming locals.

Jess says it is the company’s vision to offer customers a relaxed yet amazing service. “It has a nice ambiance,” she says. “We try to keep it homely.”

She says it’s an ideal place to visit, in summer or in winter; with a fire roaring to keep guests warm in the cooler months and an open spacious veranda, where guests can sit, relax and enjoy the summer sun. This stylish, intimate, yet casual ambiance promises visitors a cosy setting to take time out, relax and enjoy.

Jess says guests can take their pick from the full breakfast and lunch menu, freshlymade cabinet food or one of the finely decorated cakes.

The secret What makes these chocolates so great is the fine Belgium Barry Callebaut couverture that is the foundation of Chocolate Brown’s range.

Together with the freshest New Zealand real butter and cream and a range of locally produced, top-quality ingredients, it is no wonder these chocolates are simply flying off the shelves.

“We use the best quality ingredients to ensure In addition these chocolates are handmade the best quality product for our customers,” daily in batches to ensure freshness she says. and quality.

Make a day of it For those wanting to get a taste of these delicious chocolates, Chocolate Brown can be found on a short day trip north of Auckland City. The surrounding area promises a beautiful country outing, with the Matakana

Chocolate Brown special recipe Chocolate macaroons - gluten and dairy free To really, really, really enjoy these chocolate coconut macaroons, bake them and eat them fresh the same day.

This recipe serves 20 and takes 15 to 18 minutes to cook.

Method

Ingredients

• Add three to four tablespoons of sugar & whisk until glossy and firm

125g Dark Chocolate Callets melted 2 egg whites pinch of salt 100g sugar 180g coconut (threaded & desiccated) 1 t vanilla

• Melt the chocolate and allow to cool • Whisk the whites with salt until they form soft peaks

• Fold in remaining sugar then cooled chocolate followed by coconut and vanilla • Place spoonfuls 2.5cm apart on lined trays Bake until dry on outside soft and fudgy in middle (do not over cook)

Specialist Manufacturers of Customised Packaging

33 Fitzherbert Street, Petone

Email: Fax:

sales@pnp.co.nz 04 568-5538

Chocolate Brown No 6. Mill Lane Warkworth T (09) 422 2677 E info@chocolatebrown.co.nz www.chocolatebrown.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Decadent interiors Gianduja This most widely used filling is European in origin and used for many of Chocolate Brown’s range of goodies. Gianduja was first produced in the latter half of the 19th century, when Napoleonic wars caused cocoa to be rationed. A blend of nuts was added to the chocolate to make it go further. It proved so popular that it has become a staple ingredient today.

Marzipan This delectable goodness is made from the perfect blend of freshly ground almonds and sugar, with a final hint of almond extract to give it an added intensity. It can be bought just as it is, or with a delicious coating of the finest dark chocolate - try it with wild honey and toasted pinenuts enrobed in dark chocolate.

At Chocolate Brown, the staff use their own special blend of chocolate, with the ground roasted and caramelised nuts to make its own special version of Gianduja.

Fondant This filling is both soft and sweet, enhanced with a range of flavours from peppermint to fruit and berry, it promises a perfectly decadent experience.

Truffle This special divine pairing of fine New Zealand cream and the finest Belgium chocolate is all blended together to make a smooth indulgent filling and forms the base of many of the decadent handmade truffles and praline to be found on Chocolate Brown’s shelves.

Butter cream Chocolate Brown’s very own Kahlua cream chocolate filling is the newest to hit its shelves. Its smooth, creamy and luxurious flavour makes it one of this boutique chocolaterie’s star players.

• Clear View ( PVC ) Box and Lids • Plain and Printed Cartons • Direct marketing and Retail Packaging • Bakery Boxes, Trays and Circles • Acid-free Archival Packaging

Phone: 04 568-5018 www.pnp.co.nz

Proud to be the supplier of packaging to Chocolate Brown

UNDERGROUND IS T PROUD TO SUPPORN CHOCOLATE BROW www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 89

mecca Hospitality | Mecca Café Group

Mecca Viaduct

Auckland’s hospitality M E C C A To sleep in boutique bliss, eat the richest and most authentic French and Mediterranean food, savour the most palate pleasing wines and indulge yourself in the most vibrant surroundings – you don’t need to leave Auckland.

You just need to seek out the restaurants, hotel, cafés and bar that belong to the illustrious Mecca Café Group – a business that is taking Auckland by storm.

Mecca Café Group represents a group of hospitality-based businesses that are leaders in their respective fields. From a boutique hotel, to a chain of the best coffee making cafés in Auckland, this is a group catching and holding the attention of sophistication hungry patrons.

Slow and steady You hear the best runners say that slow and steady is always the key when it comes to achieving endurance and longevity – run too fast and you risk losing steam, but run too slow and you run out of momentum – well it’s true and the same principle applies in business.

Many try to rush the evolutionary progress of their organisation, when in reality business growth often needs to be the culmination of many years of slow and steady development, calculated expansion and unwavering commitment.

But there’s also those on the other side, who stall and fall over, because they don’t take the plunge and allow their business to grow to the heights it was destined to reach.

This philosophy underpins everything Metin Yildiz, owner of Mecca Café Group, does. His overwhelming success, although he is humble about the fact, is owed to an incredible professional discipline of ‘slow but steady’.

It is a balance he has introduced into this hospitality empire which has become a law unto itself, and as a result, the company governs its own growth and dictates its own journey - all with the careful guidance of Metin.

Mecca Café Group is an entity that has learned to punch well and truly above its weight - all thanks to one certain little coffee roastery that has been attracting caffeine addicts in their droves for many years – Mecca Café – which now represents many cafés.

“For me, it is also very much about choosing the right people to work with.

I have trained many people and actually, I am proud to say, many of those who I have trained have gone on to be personally successful and now own their own businesses.”

The first Mecca Café opened in Newmarket, Auckland, in September 1995 and was defined Today Mecca Café Group is not just by its simple but chic décor and its strong comprised of cafés, but many other strong international accent. It offered Mediterranean and successful businesses. deli items, carpets, rugs, and coffee.

“We started with a little coffee roastery in Newmarket almost 20 years ago,” Metin says.

“We started out serving excellent coffee and serving little sandwiches and the customers that came realised the coffee we were serving was exactly the way it should be. The ideas really developed from there.”

These ideas Metin speaks of manifested as opportunities for expansion as the business grew its Auckland reach. Location, location, location is what the Mecca Café family is all about and Mecca Cafés now thrive in Mission Bay, Chancery Lane, Viaduct Basin and Devonport.

“It has been a lot of work,” Metin concedes. “I have also looked carefully at what the market demands and have ensured the business accommodates these demands.

From strength to strength It would be fair to say that you’d expect a phenomenally successful enterprise like Mecca Café Group to have a business blueprint that contains a monumental level of detail – but the reality is far from it.

Mecca Café Group businesses: Mecca Café Chancery Shop C, Bacons Lane, Auckland T (09) 356 7028 Mecca Café Devonport 1 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland T (09) 445 9559 Mecca Café Mission Bay 44 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland T (09) 578 1112

Importers and distributors specialising in Turkish and Mediterranean foods.

21 Honan Place, Avondale, Auckland T: 09 828 4274, F: 09 828 0357

www.finewood.co.nz

Proudly associated with the Mecca Café Group P: 0800 339 583 F: 09 443 0488 E: sinan@fezfood.co.nz

agencies limited

Leading Importer to the hospitality trade Open to the Public www.nzanz.co.nz

13 -15 mackelvie street, po box 47173 ponsonby, auckland, new zealand. phone: 09 376 6750 • fax: 09 376 9112 • email: mail@nzanz.co.nz

90 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Mecca Café Viaduct Basin 85-87 Customs Street West, Viaduct Basin T (09) 358 1093 www.facebook.com/pages/MeccaViaduct

Hospitality | Mecca Café Group

By no means does Metin have a laissez fair attitude towards his businesses – quite the contrary; he is considered, careful and takes a measured approach to everything he does.

But he is open about the fact his business focus is not all about growth and how he can grow his bottom line. His goal, which he has evidently achieved, has been to introduce unparalleled quality into everything he does.

“I didn’t have a business plan as to how we were going to grow and I did not want to force growth,” he explains. “The recession affected everyone and for me, I am committed to being a realist in business instead of a dreamer. Not every business decision made is the right one, so therefore important decisions need to be made very carefully.

“One of our greatest advantages also is that we have not had a financial company behind us. Often, when the economy is struggling and you are relying on the investment made in your company by a financial institution, you get into difficulty.

Mecca Café Group businesses are much stronger because they have been built from scratch, without the type of financial dependency which can make a business very vulnerable to the economy.”

Alongside his careful decision making processes and financial autonomy, Metin says of equal importance is his staff.

“When it comes to our staff, they know it is imperative that they look after our customers and treat them like a guest of honour. This is the same mentality encouraged at each of the Mecca Café Group businesses.

“It is important to me that I hire people with the same vision and passion as me.

My hope is that the person who takes over after me, will do an even better job than me – that is my goal for the business.”

Mecca Viaduct

Mecca Café Devonport

La Voix Francaise

Ile de France

Esplanade Hotel

Shop 4, 875 Dominion Road Mount Roskill T (09) 620 9547

Corner Remuera Road and Nuffield Street Newmarket.

T (09) 523 0293

La Voix Francaise (meaning the French way) is a new French bakery opened in Mt Roskill. It offers a delicious range of breads and pastries that have been lovingly handcrafted using the best and only natural ingredients with no chemicals or additives.

Ile de France serves authentic French cuisine that is incredibly honest, authentic and indulgent. Cooked by an authentic French chef, Gilles Papst from the Alsace region of France, the aim of this restaurant’s culinary game is to serve traditional French cuisine without cutting any corners.

1 Victoria Road Devonport T (09) 445 1291 www.esplanadehotel.co.nz/

La Voix Francaise was also voted one of the best bakeries by Metro Magazine in 2012.

Wintergarden Pavilion

Dishes are inspired by the four corners of France, with the accent on the southwestern region such as snails, duck liver paté, traditional red wine braised cheeks, duck leg confit and famous ribeye béarnaise sauce.

Kiosk Road Auckland Domain T (09) 354 3360 www.wintergardenpavilion.co.nz

Ile de France also offers a wide range of French style breads such as baguettes, bread figues and sourdough that come from its bakery, La Voix Francaise.

Nestled in the picturesque Auckland Domain, the Wintergarden Pavilion is a nostalgic venue with a metropolitan heart. Built in 1913, the pavilion was fully refurbished in 2011 to give it the contemporary vibe that makes it so popular with wedding parties, conferences and function groups all looking for something just a little bit outside the square.

Thanks to an extensive wine list, the restaurant takes you on a little Tour de France bringing different flavours from the regions of Bourgogne, Alsace, Bordeaux, Loire or Rhone and dishes are crafted to match wines.

The Pavilion is in good company with quaint café and kiosk on site where families, couples, tourists and locals can enjoy fresh cuisine, the Mecca Café Group’s highly coveted coffee, as well as creamy gelato and afternoon drinks.

The restaurant also highly recommends its cheese selection: gruyere, goat blue basque, gallet, rustique, and more.

Opening hours are: Monday - 5:30pm until late Tuesday to Saturday - 11:30am - 3:00pm and 5:30pm until late.

BYO wine on Mondays and Tuesdays

Offering boutique hotel accommodation, the Esplanade Hotel has strong heritage roots having been built in 1903. With strong architectural bones, the contemporary, elegant vibe that has been introduced with the hotel’s soft furnishings ensures this accommodation is a marriage of breathtaking antiquity and modernism.

The hotel has seventeen rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, including the luxurious Blake Suite and the two bedroom Grandison appartment, as well as two bars and a café.

Function rooms are also available for meetings, conferences and seminars. The hotel is also a popular hosting environment for birthdays, anniversaries and weddings.

The hotel was given a glowing review by the Sydney Morning Herald, saying “The Esplanade Hotel, across the Waitemata Harbour at Devonport, is probably Auckland’s finest boutique hotel”.

Ile de France can also host groups of up to 70 guests seated for corporate dinners, private functions, and Christmas celebrations.

Mecca Café Group 85-87 Customs Street West Viaduct Basin, Auckland T (09) 358 2800 E viaduct@meccacafe.com www.meccacafe.com www.facebook.com/pages/Mecca-Cafe — Advertising Feature

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DECOR DISPLAYS Indoor Plant Hire Clark: 09 827 5696 Lorna: 021 140 3507 E-mail: decordisplays@hotmail.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 91

Hospitality | The Grill

Grilled to

Perfection

Take an award winning chef and a beautifully designed premises with to die for décor and you have the recipe for a great restaurant. Well such is the case for The Grill – the brain-child of renowned chef Sean Connolly.

Even the toughest critics in the industry have been quick to acknowledge Connolly’s efforts. Open less than a year, he took out top honours in the Cuisine magazine Restaurant of the Year awards, also winning the Best New Restaurant category.

Of course when it comes to great places to eat, ambiance is everything, so when accolades for The Grill are being handed out it is only fair New Zealand architect Andrew Lister received his fair share.

The restaurant’s design has picked up a high commendation in the Australasian Eat-DrinkDesign Awards in Melbourne and the award for Interior Architecture at the 2012 Auckland Architecture Awards.

As Connolly says, there is a correlation between the design of the restaurant and the way it works. “A lot of hard work went into the design and fit out of The Grill. For a restaurant to work, everything needs to be in alignment – fantastic food, service and atmosphere. Andrew is so talented and he did an incredible job making The Grill fit out glamorous, yet relaxed, while offering something different to the Auckland dining scene.”

It’s dark and moody with an undertone of opulence and class. Lister says consideration to what was served at the restaurant also played a part in the design. For those wanting a more intimate dining experience, Lister has incorporated a private dining room, an elegantly crafted hideaway for 20 people, away from the hustle and bustle of Federal St.

“The Grill’s design and food both have a modern twist on traditional materials with an emphasis on texture, craft and quality.

“We used timber, leather, stone and steel throughout – the combination of these natural materials contributes warmth and comfort to a stylish yet unpretentious atmosphere.”

The food is a combination of stunning New Zealand ingredients with a range of lively accompaniments. It includes dishes such as suckling pig terrine, line-caught snapper, silere merino lamb rack and rump, a Wagyu burger and The Grill’s vast selection of steaks available from the butcher’s block.

Duck fat chips - chef Sean Connolly

Cuisine Restaurant of the Year judge Kerry Tyack says The Grill stood out. “The Grill has a clear focus on top-quality ingredients, all impeccably prepared. And Sean Connolly’s unpretentious menu is delightfully complemented by the restaurant’s attentive, well-trained staff.”

These chips are practically Ingredients 2kg agria potatoes perfect in every way.

300g duck fat They’re best when prepared a day in advance. Table salt

It appears Sean’s venture into New Zealand has been met with appreciation from Auckland diners with his popularity continuing to grow. “We’ve had a lot of fun along the way. I’ve got a stellar team – the best team and they’re a pretty cheeky bunch too.

To make the perfect chip you need to start with the right potatoes. Agria potatoes work well but they do differ from brand to brand and with the time of the year, so try to buy some potatoes that are specifically labelled as a ‘chipping’ potato.

“We like to keep it light in the kitchen – anyone who knows me will know I’m not one of those growling, howling chefs. We try to foster an atmosphere of relaxed calm with exquisite food.”

Hours

Lunch Monday – Friday 12pm – 2.30pm Dinner Daily 5.30pm-10.30pm (Closed for lunch on public holidays) The Grill 90 Federal Street Auckland T (09) 363 7067 E reservations@thegrillnz.co.nz

Method

Scrub the potatoes well to remove any dirt.

Cut the potatoes into chips about 1.5cm thick. Rinse under cold water and drain.

Put the chips into a pot, cover with cold water and season with table salt. You should use 12g of salt per litre of water.

Bring to the boil and then simmer gently until the potatoes are almost cooked; check by removing a chip and bending it to break, it should not resist.

Very gently drain the chips and spread them out on a tray to allow them to steam off, and then leave to cool. Once cooled, place in the fridge overnight so the chips can dry out. This will make them nice and fluffy in the centre and crunchy on the outside when cooked.

The following day Heat the oven to 180°C. Place the duck fat in an oven tray and heat in the oven for five minutes. Very carefully place the chips into the heated duck fat and place in the oven.

Cook for 15 minutes then carefully turn the chips over and cook for another 15 minutes or until the chips are golden brown.

Carefully remove from the oven, drain, season with sea salt and serve. Save the duck fat as it can be used again.

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 93

News | Xeroing in

Xeroing in A Hawke’s Bay surfer with some sharp ideas has made accounting a simple task for small business owners worldwide. Xero founder Rod Drury talks about how, with the right attitude, staff and strategy, truly remarkable things can happen.

Rapturous applause in recognition of an outstanding performance is enough to flatter any artist. When the management team at Xero received just that from the 400 shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting last year, it was indeed an indication of the solidarity and devotion the financial backers of this publicly-listed New Zealand company have developed.

When he passed School Certificate, Drury says he became the highest qualified member of his family. On holidays to Wellington he was introduced to an institution called university and it was then he made his decision to attend Victoria. There is no doubt his choice to go on to further education puzzled his parents, but as it turned out, it was definitely a move in the right direction.

Funnily enough the company has not yet made a profit, but the outstanding growth that has been achieved in the company’s short life and the strategies for future expansion had this congregation exalting its praises.

After completing his Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (BCA) majoring in Accounting from Victoria University, he took

It has much to do with the pragmatic, wily and personable man-at-the-helm, chief executive Rod Drury – an “ordinary bloke” from the Hawke’s Bay, who has the knack, know-how and entrepreneurship to take an idea and turn it into gold.

Drury was enamoured with computers at Napier Boy’s High School. As a teenager he could already see the potential in this new technology. His computer teacher Bob McCaw, father of one of the first TradeMe investors Phil McCaw, inspired the boys to delve into this new world which allowed schoolboys to become computer wizards.

Bob started a scheme where parents could invest $50 towards an Apple II which allowed those students to then take the computers home. It was in his Napier home where Drury would take the first tentative steps in learning his trade. “The magic of computing is like an assault on your brain. With computing you’re always solving a problem. Doing a project built more confidence and things got bigger and bigger and bigger,” he says.

94 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

“

by Karen Pasco

IT, bright business graduates with a little bit of technology knowledge, in that company.”

The company was sold in 1999 for $7.5m and still runs today as Intergen with Stewart still at the helm and more than 300 employees – something Drury is extremely proud of. The company’s success, he believes, was somewhat down to its location. “I think Wellington is good for that - being a government town where budgets have to be spent. It’s a great place to build services.”

There were no software development companies to work for – so we just had to start our own. We created the jobs we wanted.

up his first job at Ernst and Young. He says it was the place he learnt his foundation skills and started thinking about more efficient business systems. Once this apprenticeship was over, he knew he wanted to work in software development. “There were no software development companies to work for – so we just had to start our own. We created the jobs we wanted.”

The business partnership was with Tony Stewart and the company they developed was Glazier Systems – a software development and consultancy company. This new business didn’t just provide Drury with the job he wanted; it was also a platform for others.

“There’s a lot of people who got their start in

”

His next well-publicised project saw him develop AfterMail, email software that allowed users to capture, archive, retain and preserve as well as search for email. It was bought by California-based Quest Software for a multi-million dollar sum. “It was designed to be built up and sold quite quickly. The great thing about it was that it won the best exchange product at Microsoft TechEd proving it was world class technology, developed in New Zealand.”

It was in 2006 that he and fellow Xero founder Hamish Watson (who worked as the virtual CFO with him in AfterMail) launched Xero, an accounting software company which gives small business a real-time on-line accounting,

News | Xeroing in

invoicing, billing and bank system. A year later the company was listed on the New Zealand stock exchange. A brave move for a start-up business, but an essential one Drury insists all other New Zealand business owners should consider.

The need to boost the coffers in order to develop Xero in an industry where the slightest delay can cost was one of the catalysts for listing on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. Another was that with a huge capital input also comes the ability to put in to place long term plans. “We wanted to be a global business from day one. The only way we could do that is if we had some big venture capital.”

Drury knew he had to ensure the story of Xero was heard loud and clear to all potential backers. A business story, he says, is important for any company either looking to be, or which are, publicly listed.

It helps gain momentum so people intending to invest know the full background and successes. It is also important for those who have invested, so they are continually updated on the company’s performance.

“Forty Two Below and Icebreaker have those stories. People like a good story, so what we’re doing makes a lot of sense. We have a real track record and passion for what we’re doing, so we need to tell the story so we can build more confidence in the market.”

Thus far this story includes a proven business model with strong growth prospects, growing market opportunity, compelling product offering, credible and capable management team, experienced board of directors and clear reasons for raising money.

Xero’s directors are a striking array of likeminded visionaries – TradeMe founder Sam Morgan, MYOB co-founder Craig Winkler, Works Infrastructure former chief executive Graham Shaw, and Xero chairman Sam Knowles who established Kiwi Bank. With this heavy-weight band of brothers at the top, there is no doubt big things are yet to happen.

Drury is obviously a good story teller. In total the company has raised more than $85 million in growth capital during the past five years (subsequent capital raisings since the initial IPO include $29m in March 2009, $4m from key US investor Peter Thiel in October 2010 and $35m in February 2012) with its corporate profile and credibility greatly enhanced. The company also has an employee share scheme which provides an incentive for long term motivation and performance.

With a publicly listed company comes the extra scrutiny. “It does get quite personal, but when you actually look at it, it’s my job to get out there and tell the story. You develop a thick skin.”

A question frequently posed is ‘when are you selling it?’ For Drury he sees this venture as an opportunity, to not only take the company through its infancy, but also to see it develop through its teenage years to adulthood.

“I could sell Xero but that’s not the goal any more. In the early parts of your career you want to earn some money. Now that I’ve built something that is really interesting, that is good for people, the thrill is in building a global team. There are 260 people all over the world now working for the company.”

Not content with just running his own show, Drury has held directorships on various boards. There was a stint as independent director on the TradeMe board, and he’s a

director of the New Zealand Stock Exchange and a member of Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Commerce Advisory Board.

Having the insight into how other organisations and institutions operate has definitely contributed to the way he developed his own businesses, he says. “As a CEO it’s good to do director roles at some time. I definitely recommend that CEOs look to do board roles and be active ‘sea level’ executives.”

There are also other interests. The Pacific Fibre project which would have seen New Zealand leap into a world of faster internet, opening up a multitude of small business opportunities, is one he says is not necessarily “dead in the water”.

“I’m still talking to government about it,” he says. The project had planned to build a 13,000km fibre-optic cable between Auckland, Sydney and Los Angeles at a cost of around $400 million however failed to find the financial backers to fund it.

Currently New Zealand’s only broadband cable link is provided by the Southern Cross Cable Network, a venture in which Telecom has a 50 percent shareholding.

He says that despite commentators saying the current cable has great capacity, the capping that goes on is ultimately costing New Zealand businesses. “Because of our involvement with Pacific Fibre we are experts on this now, and we can see the potential a network like this could offer.”

“

It does get quite personal, but when you actually look at it, it’s my job to get out there and tell the story. You develop a thick skin.

He believes government now needs to step up and work alongside technology entrepreneurs to ensure projects like this get off the ground. Drury says a chief technology officer, who would endeavour to look at ways the country could grasp opportunities and gain a competitive advantage over other countries, needs to be created. “It would be real game changing stuff.”

He still describes himself as an ordinary bloke and commuting between Wellington and his home in Hawke’s Bay is one way that Drury keeps the balance between home and work.

“It provides me with the best of both worlds.

I’ve tried with Xero to get it right. I really enjoy work, but I love to get out in the sea and have a surf, barbecues at night, spend time with the family. It also makes me really enjoy work more and the city.”

The shareholder applause at the AGM could have been because of the company’s latest

”

growth. Despite taking five years, from 2006 to 2011, to build up the first 50,000 Xero customers, in the past 10 months that number has doubled. It could have been because of the business’s increase in committed monthly revenue which has grown to $34.5m, compared to full year revenue to the end of March of just more than $19m.

It could have been because of the announcement that the company is considering a dual listing on the Australian Stock Exchange to make it easier for its Aussie partners and customers to invest. Or maybe, just maybe, it is because the message Drury delivers is one of confidence and optimism, full of passion and hope about the business he continues to build.

“We don’t have any doubt we’re going to be successful. You make sure you’re managing strategic risk, hire great people around you and control systems – it’s not rocket science.”

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 95

Hospitality | Tony’s on Wellesley

Creating a culinary

legacy

Established back when Auckland’s restaurants could almost be counted on one hand, Tony’s Original Steak and Seafood restaurant is more than a high quality eating establishment; it is a piece of culinary history.

Established in February 1963 by renowned restaurateur Tony White and his wife Pat, Tony’s is Auckland’s oldest surviving restaurant and much loved eatery. Former Auckland mayor John Banks began his restaurant career here in the early 1970s, after joining Tony White as partner.

Still nestled comfortably in the historic T&G building on Wellesley Street West, the restaurant has been affectionately shortened to simply Tony’s on Wellesley and continues to deliver meals, service and a setting which have ensured its success.

When the doors first opened to Tony’s, the menu was classic Italian, featuring enticing pastas. As trends changed, Tony quickly reshaped his menu to feature steaks, with the intention of the restaurant becoming acknowledged as the home of the ‘great steak’. It was an instant success and feedback, both then and now, confirms its popularity.

“

We really do believe that good old fashioned

food makes for good old fashioned pleasure.

- Tony’s on Wellesley owner Kenn Henderson

“Tony put his focus on doing steaks and doing them well,” current owner Kenn Henderson explains. “He really made an impact. He had something like seven restaurants at basically the same time. The service was a good brisk style, friendly, pleasant surroundings with decent ambiance and modestly-priced meals.

That’s still what we’re known for.

“We see ourselves as a dedicated steak restaurant these days. We had a customer in last night who had paid $94 for wagu beef steak elsewhere. He paid $34 for a steak here and claims to have had a much better experience.”

Kenn took the reins from Tony and John way back in 1978 and has continued to gently evolve both the restaurant and the menu to meet clients’ demands, all the time

”

maintaining the emphasis on the very best steaks and the freshest local produce. This means there’s something on the menu for everyone at Tony’s.

“We aim to ensure that whatever your tastes or diet we are able to offer something great for you to enjoy, be it lamb, seafood, chicken, pasta, or one of our many famous steaks.

“We really do believe that good old fashioned food makes for good old fashioned pleasure.”

While the menu has evolved, there are some popular choices which have remained; Tony’s is one of the few places around where you can still enjoy a deep fried camembert, or finish your meal with brandy snaps decorated with lashings of whipped cream - retro treats that customers delight in finding in the menu.

Manufacturers of Bacon, Ham and Smallgoods Proud to Support Tony’s on Wellesley www.baconbarn.co.nz | Ph: 09 577 4464

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Ginelli’s proudly manufacturing and supplying a complete dessert range to hospitality, retail and business for over 20 years.

Ginelli’s would like to congratulate Tony’s Wellesley Street on their 50th Anniversary.

To find out more about Ginelli’s premium products please visit www.ginellis.co.nz or phone 09 570 2698.

ICE-CREAM • GELATO • SORBET • FROZEN DESSERTS 96 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Hospitality | Tony’s on Wellesley

“

There is always going to be a market for folk who provide a good hearty meal at a modest price. We don’t even attempt to do all these fancy things that swirl up your plate, but you go away hungry. Our intention is to feed you well, as modestly priced as we can.

- Tony’s on Wellesley owner Kenn Henderson

Then, of course, there are the steaks; the fillet mignon, wrapped in bacon and smothered in mushroom sauce, or the carpet bag stuffed with fresh oysters – items so popular they could never be removed from the menu.

This presents an enviable dilemma for Kenn, as there have been a few additions during the years, the menu has expanded so that now it’s bursting with more than 70 choices, including 16 variations of steak.

“We do remove items when they become less popular and replace them with something new and exciting,” Kenn says. “But we have to be very careful as everyone has their favourites - just the other night we had a gentleman in from Los Angeles who first dined here in 1969. He claims to have been back at least six times for one of our steaks, despite the fact he lives on the other side of the world. What if next time he came back we didn’t have his favourite steak? How could I do that to him?”

And so the menu grows.

”

“Most restaurants you go to you get a choice of four entrees, four mains, four desserts and that’s it – I just couldn’t condense ours to that.

We’ve got a style, we’ve got a menu and we’ve got a thing we’re known for. We can’t claim to be the flashest restaurant in town, but when people want a hearty meal done properly, they come here.”

here. The younger, Kelson grew up here, he was crawling under the tables at age three, washing dishes with his brother by 13 and Kenn has been supported by head chef Peter now it’s him that’ll be greeting you at Bird and manager Donna Moody – both having the door.” been loyally at his side for 22 years. Now It’s nice to know the restaurant will keep that with members of Donna’s, Pete’s and Kenn’s continuity, that it won’t just become some families onboard to help look after you, you can be sure that Tonys on Wellesley Street has company run machine. a true family feel.

While Tony and his partners sold out of Tony’s While Kenn is looking forward to taking a step back from the business, his son Kelson and Kelson’s wife Gabrielle, will keep up the consistency as they take over the day to day running of the restaurant.

“I am very lucky to have two very capable sons; my eldest Tolan looked after the place for many years and even met his lovely wife

many years ago, Tony’s on Wellesley stands as a testament to its founders and those who continue to run the place. “We’ve been here for 50 years. Very few have done that. We’re still here, still serving the same great meals.

We’re certainly consistent.

“We’re looking forward to many more years to come.”

There have been very few changes to the menu over the years with crumbed camembert a mainstay due to its popularity.

“We do remove items when they become less popular and replace them with something new and exciting,” Kenn says.

He toured Route 66 in the United States with his son Kelson a few years back, picking up a couple of new dishes on the way, such as the pork spare ribs and the buffalo chicken wings.

But it’s the famous mouth-watering steaks, everything from T-bone to the fillet mignon, that really bring the punters back.

“We like the informality, we like the friendliness. The surroundings are marvellous.

We want you to come into a place that feels warm, feels like home, where you are comfortable and can have a good time.”

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 97

Hospitality | Tony’s on Wellesley

Tony’s today Tony’s on Wellesley appears as popular today as it was 50 years ago when its doors opened. The team at the helm strives to deliver the most delicious meals in the most comfortable surroundings. It’s a relaxed and cosy atmosphere with a décor reminiscent of the good old days.

Kenn is fiercely proud of his wine list, putting in a lot of effort to hunt out the best in affordable Kiwi wines. “I think New Zealand has so many excellent wines and I am excited to expose them to our customers, to give them a mix of old favourites and a few cheeky surprises, wine should be fun, it should be enjoyed.

It has been a lifelong adventure, decorating the place, Kenn says.

“One of the joys is showing off good kiwi wine, and of course good kiwi food, to our international customers.”

The shelves are filled with nic-nacs the family has gathered from trips around the world, or been passed down through the family; there are even a few old jars and steins gifted to the restaurant from excited customers. The tables and walls are covered with old family photos and clippings. It’s like a living, breathing photo album as the restaurant tells its own story.

Tony’s is a popular tourist destination as well, helped along by the locals who recommend the place. “Nearly half our clientele would be visiting tourists from all over the globe looking for the quintessential ‘Kiwi’ dining experience. A lot of the nearby hotels and tour operators send their guests our way because they know they will get well looked after.

There are various flexible dining areas to suit all needs. So whether you are part of a group looking to enjoy the bustle and excitement of a preshow gathering, wanting a quiet booth for a special night out, or a private room for a group function, the original Tony’s on Wellesley is the perfect venue.

“It’s not just local recommendations either; we have people arriving having been told about Tony’s Wellesley Street from their friends back home. They come in with our business card or our name scrawled on a piece of paper, some even have the meal they should order written down for them. I guess it’s the greatest compliment that people enjoyed their time with us so much that they still talk about it once they have travelled all the way back home and tell their friends to visit too.

The restaurant also offers a lighter lunch menu, a sensibly priced wine list proudly featuring the best of New Zealand wines and beers, and a children’s menu to make sure family groups are well looked after.

“There is always going to be a market for folk who provide a good hearty meal at a modest price. We don’t even attempt to do all these fancy things that swirl up your plate, but you go away hungry. Our intention is to feed you well, as modestly priced as we can.

“There are generally two main types of dining,” Kenn explains. “There is the ultra modern, trendy dining establishment which serves small fancy helpings. Then there’s a good, strong hearty meal at the right price.

That’s what we serve.

“We are located close to the Auckland entertainment centre and the Town Hall,” he says. “So we have a very big following of people who go to shows after dinner.

“It all started with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats back in the late 80s; with our ability to serve a tasty meal in quite a short period of time we suddenly became know as the place to go pre-show.”

It’s a title they obviously still hold today. “It’s amazing, when there is a show on at the Civic, Aotea Centre or The Town Hall, they come flooding in for a juicy steak and a glass of wine (maybe two if they think the show could be a little low key), and then they all race off to their shows, and it’s often the same people - the people who came for ‘We Will Rock You’ came back for ‘Jersey Boys’

then again for ‘Mary Poppins’, so you get to recognise the faces.”

At Tony’s Wellesley Street they enjoy looking after the theatre crowds, but often it’s not just the audience they cater for. During the years many famous faces have nestled down into one of Tony’s cosy booths, from Rob Guest enjoying a meal between performances of Phantom of the Opera to David Bowie popping in for an end of the evening drink, from the cast of Mary Poppins to shock rocker Marylin Manson (he didn’t actually dine with Tony’s, but ordered steaks for his entire backstage crew to be delivered to the venue), and local favourite Michael Hurst often pops in for a hearty steak during production week to keep his strength up.

Sometimes the staff is as well known as the customers. “We make a bit of a habit of hiring local actors as our wait staff. They have great people skills, enjoy interacting with people and unfortunately with the acting industry in New Zealand, they are quite often in need of other work, so we like to help them out. It seems to work for everyone and we get the added bonus of turning on the TV sometimes and seeing one our staff doing well, it makes you feel good to know you helped them on the way.”

Auckland Fruit & Produce Supplies Ltd

Proudly supporting Tony’s on Wellesley for over 25 years Phone/Fax: 09 479 3660 Mob: 021 967 636 Email: alf.jenkinson@gmail.com

Supporting and servicing Auckland business Advisory - Taxation - Structures - Systems Congratulations to Kenn and crew from the accounting team

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Accounting with purpose

98 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Hospitality | Tony’s on Wellesley

“

The service was some of the best I’ve had.

Salivating success A comment in the guestbook of Tony’s on Wellesley sums the place up well; ‘Still the best steak since I last came in 1970.’

It’s not a mistake; the punter really was at the establishment in 1970. Auckland’s oldest restaurant, Tony’s on Wellesley, has been serving world famous steaks in a warm, friendly atmosphere for 50 years.

The atmosphere is reminiscent of an old English pub, cosy and inviting. Many have commented during the years that Tony’s has never changed and it’s almost right. Tony’s has only updated that which is necessary, without losing the old world charm it’s renowned for.

”

Tony’s is also located within walking distance of many major city hotels.

Tony’s is best for those diners who prefer quality and quantity, according to one professional reviewer. “Not many have a stomach capable of matching the serving sizes of Tony’s. I’ll dare to say the remains were much regrettably left behind after a protesting stomach could take no more,” he says.

“I’m not going to lie; you should not eat for a week before you come here. Your choice of steak comes with either veges or salad and potatoes or chips. I opted for salad and potatoes. But I made the wise decision of not Tony’s features a diverse menu of Kiwi classics and international favourites, while specialising even attempting the salad - too much steak in steak and seafood. So whether you feel like and potato goodness to be had, and only limited stomach space. a delicious fillet steak, fish ‘n’ chips, bangers ‘n’ mash or mighty ribs, Tony’s on Wellesley “The service was some of the best I’ve will look after you. had,” the reviewer continues. “The staff The meals are made from the best quality were present and friendly without being food and the food is prepared by expert overbearing and annoying and the food was chefs who have been with the restaurant for quick to arrive. After a steak, few glasses of years. A fantastic wine list means you can wine and a reasonable bill, I walked away enjoy a refreshing drink with your meal. feeling more than content.

Best of all, Tony’s on Wellesley is perfectly “Next time you need your steak fix, you know located for a quick weekday lunch, or a bite where to head. You’ll be hard pressed to to eat after work or before heading off to the surrounding theatres, movies or local bars. find better.”

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 99

Hospitality | Tony’s on Wellesley

Menu Mania LUNCH

ENTREES

SEAFOOD

NACHOS $10 SOUP OF THE DAY $10 FETTUCINE $12 SPAGHETTI BOLOGNAISE $12 DEEP FRIED CAMEMBERT $14 SEAFOOD CHOWDER $14 VEGETARIAN PENNÉ $14 WHITEBAIT FRITTER $14 RUMP STEAK $16 CALAMARI $16 SATAY $16 FISH & CHIPS $16 OMELETTE $16 B.L.T $16 MEAT LASAGNE $16 CURRY $16 CASSEROLE $16 STEAK BURGER $16 BEEF BURGER $16 CHICKEN BURGER $16 VENISON BANGERS & MASH $16 VENISON KEBABS $16 BEEF, OYSTER & GUINNESS POT PIE (INCLUDES SALAD & FRIES) $18 THE CLASSIC ALL DAY BREAKFAST $18

GARLIC BREAD OR BREAD OF THE DAY $6 NACHOS $12 SOUP OF THE DAY $12 SEAFOOD CHOWDER $15 SHRIMP COCKTAIL $15 CALAMARI $12 WHITEBAIT FRITTERS $14 PRAWN CUTLETS $15 SCALLOPS $15 BUFFALO CHICKEN WINGS $14 OYSTERS market value

FISH OF THE DAY $34 OLD FASHIONED FISH & CHIPS $30 SCALLOPS $36 SEAFOOD BASKET $34 SEAFOOD PLATTER $39

“

Tasty testimonials Tony’s on Wellesley has certainly been around long enough to have developed a strong following. Not surprising then that the restaurant has established an online presence which is testament to the quality of the food offered, service satisfaction and overall enjoyable experience.

Bart enjoyed his birthday dinner at Tony’s last December. “The whole experience was excellent. The staff were very helpful and informative. Had a cocktail of champagne and peach schnapps which was so refreshing.

Then I ordered the seafood platter and my

FILLET STEAK $33 FILLET BÉARNAISE $36 FILLET ITALIANO $36 PEPPER STEAK $36 FILET MIGNON $36 CAPER STEAK $36 THE PACIFIC STEAK $36 CARPET BAG $36 THE SCHASLIK MARINARA $36 SCOTCH FILLET $32 TONY’S ORIGINAL $34 SCOTCH BÉARNAISE $34 BRAISED BEEF BACK RIB $34 RUMP STEAK $32 T BONE $35

The place, the food, the service and the staff are absolutely

Tony’s until we’re old and grey.

friend ordered a steak dish. I savoured every bit of seafood in the platter and I actually finished the whole dish. Then we ordered a dessert which was so enjoyable. The décor was very interesting and it was very inviting and the old wooden interior makes it so unique.

“Will definitely go back.”

KING PRAWN SEAFOODS LTD

”

Owen B took his girlfriend to Tony’s on Wellesley for their first anniversary dinner.

“Without a doubt the best steak I have had in Auckland. The food was fantastic and good sized portions, the staff were friendly and helpful without being intrusive and the setting is just magic. I love this place and would recommend it to anyone.”

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100 March/April 2013 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

DESSERTS HOT APPLE PIE $10 DOLCE VITA $10 ICE CREAM SUNDAE $10 PAVLOVA $10 PECAN PIE $10 CHEF’S CHEESECAKE $10 CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CAKE $10 BRANDY SNAPS $10 CHEESE & CRACKERS $20 AFFOGATO $12 BAILEYS HOT CHOCOLATE $12 VOLCANO $12 TONY’S SPECIAL $12

Kathy and Kiri had their first date at the restaurant and have been returning for almost 10 years since. “This is my favourite restaurant in the whole wide world, for birthdays, valentines day, an anniversary or just a meal after work or before a movie,” Kiri says.

awesome! We will keep coming to

Kym W has always enjoyed her experience at Tony’s and can’t wait to go again. “This is my favourite restaurant; they do the best steaks.

I can’t fault this place. Our family has been many times; before show events at the Civic or just for birthday dinner or a nice night out.

“We have never had a bad dining experience here. We are looking forward to our next visit.”

STEAKS

Ph 09 376 6004 / 09 634 7578 Email: info@filtercleaning.co.nz

PONSONBY & ONEHUNGA

“The place, the food, the service and the staff are absolutely awesome! We will keep coming to Tony’s until we’re old and grey. Our favourite dish is the Pacific steak… OMG it is to die for! You’ve gotta try it… I guarantee you’ll love it as much as we do. Oh and by the way the cocktails are the best I’ve had in a long time. I had the fluffy duck and the pina colada mmmmm yummy!!!”

That’s not all. Next time you’re in the restaurant, take a peek at the visitor’s book, it’s filled with many more comments, as equally flattering.

Tony’s on Wellesley 27 Wellesley Street West Auckland City T (09) 373 4196 www.tonys.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Hospitality | The General Store Restaurant

A great place

with a great atmosphere

The General Store Restaurant building has a long and illustrious history nestled comfortably in Whitford Wharf Road for more than 100 years.

It is a building with a distinguished past, however it hasn’t always played host to the popular restaurant that calls it home today.

Based five minutes from central Howick, the restaurant runs Fawlty Towers and Murder Mystery nights, and has live music on Friday and Sunday afternoons on the deck. A ladies night on the second Tuesday of every month also brings in some loyal patrons, with guest speakers, providing everything from free botox, to fashion advice. For just $20 a head, they get a glass of bubbly, nibbles and a ‘goodie’ bag.

Opened in 1910 by Mr A P Horne, the store supplied goods to the local community and served as the local Post Office. His eldest son, Ashley, ran a butchers business with a slaughter house on the water’s edge opposite the rear of the store. The mail carrier was Mr “Mop” Evans and twice weekly he would bring the mail across from Howick by horse and trap.

Tony and Julie are complemented by a staff of 12, including head chef John Jugum and sous chef Max Li. “Our head chef John has had extensive experience in Europe and Canada, as well as some of the top restaurants in Auckland.”

During the years the store has been used for a number of different businesses, from a knitting shop to a brothel, but the popular incarnation of the building has been its time as a restaurant since 1986.

There’s something quintessentially Kiwi about having a pint at the pub, explains owner Tony Smith. “Pub culture is big in New Zealand.

People like to have a local where they can come and relax.

“We operate a classic country pub; we’re all about being casual, friendly and a good place to come and get a meal.”

Tony and his wife Julie bought the Whitford General Store and Restaurant in October 2009, before extensively renovating the 100 year old building and filling it with artefacts from the same era, including old pots and pans, serving dishes, farming equipment, lamps, boots and irons.

“We’ve basically changed everything,” Tony explains. “We re-carpeted, re-decorated and basically updated all the equipment – it was pretty worn down when we purchased it.”

COMMITTED TO QUALITY

But more up Tony’s alley are the car and motorbike meets they’ve been hosting, which often include barbecues and it’s an area he looks forward to developing further.

The restaurant offers two menus - the standard bar menu and an a la carte restaurant which is open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday and brunch and lunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10am, while bar meals are available at all times.

The Smiths point to the seven-day-a-week happy hour as a popular draw card for locals and they ensure cheap taxis to Howick and the wider area are available for people passing through. “It’s halfway between Maraetai and Howick and only 10 minutes to Manukau,” Tony says.

“We get a wide variety of people in here, from young families to retired couples and it’s a good place for people to meet.”

Tony says the best things about owning the business are its good atmosphere and customers.

“It’s really good socially,” he says. “It’s nice to see the regular faces come in. It’s the kind of place where we will introduce people who have just moved into the area to those who have been here for a while.

The General Store Restaurant 1 Whitford Wharf Rd Whitford Auckland T (09) 530 8437 E info@generalstorerestaurant.co.nz www.generalstorerestaurant.co.nz — Advertising Feature

“People come from all over the place. I used to come here years ago when it was the only place around to have a drink. It had got run down and deserved more than what it was doing.”

“We thought we would have a go and it was the best decision we could have made.” www.aucklandtoday.net.nz March/April 2013 101

View these photos and more online at www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

been seen

Images taken and supplied by Annie Scott Williams

If you have an event that you’d like covered, email Annie at: annie@academy.net.nz

Karaka Millions at Ellerslie 1. Leslie and Aussie Browne 2. Mary Chittock, Kathryn MacDonald, David Archer, Diane Wright

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