Auckland Today Magazine Issue #95

Issue 95 | July/August 2012

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

The

Rotten truth

Most people casually shrug at the facts and figures – but what happens when a leaky home belongs to you?

Staring down the barrel Getting ready for a crude awakening

Is the boom back?

Not quite, but Olly Newland sees promise in the property market

Words of wisdom

John Psathas and Mai Chen muse about motivation

Winter warmers

Local hot spots to keep away the cold

Bonus Receive a $100 credit from ProducePronto on page 5

• What are you sharing online?

• The inside line on internet shopping • Is your work-life balance a mess?

• Daily planning made simple • Become a customer focused company

Reader rewards in this issue…

Win a wicked office chair from Systems Commercial Furniture on page 3 | Receive a $100 credit from ProducePronto on page 5 | Grab half a case of wine from myjobspace.co.nz on page 6 Get free pet food from Canidae on page 10 | Buy two SafeBottles and get a third for free on page 13 | Get free freight and bundling from Printsaver on page 23

Issue 95 July/August 2012

Contents Viewpoints

Features

In Business

6 Editorial

12 Is the boom back?

26 Leaky buildings

Getting back in black

Not quite, but Olly Newland sees promising signs in the real estate market

Continuing on from where our cover story left off, we look at the underlying issues surrounding the leaky building epidemic plaguing Auckland - Cover photo: Paul Terry

6 Management Become a customer focused company Auckland Today

Issue 95

24,328

7 Politics Creating a place where talent wants to live

ABC circulation as at 31/03/12

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz HEAD OFFICE

7 Governance Corporate responsibility in today’s commercial world

Academy House 47B Birmingham Drive Middleton PO Box 1879 Christchurch

8 Finance

Gary Collins

GENERAL MANAGER

8 Business online

Rebecca Harris

Making Google Adwords work for you

OPERATIONS MANAGER Di Barclay

9 Productivity

ADMINISTRATION Kylie Moore ADMIN MANAGER Kelly Clarke Lucy Neill Judy Slater Rachel Cooper

Daily planning made simple

9 Online life What are you sharing online?

SALES & ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES

10 Working life Is your work-life balance a mess?

10 Events diary Courses, events and seminars near you

NEWSROOM Jonathon Taylor Corazon Miller Karen Pasco Marie Sherry Phone: Fax: Email:

Building teams that can execute

38 Hospitality

15 Quick questions

The Foodstore gets you up close with some of New Zealand’s best chefs, Toto delivers classic Italian taste, why Circus Circus Café has such a magnetic attraction and sister businesses, the Gypsy Tea Room and The Elbow Room, offer the right recipe for any occasion

Online retailer Felt with the inside line on internet shopping

44 Business development

14 Simplifying small business tax The NZICA think tank’s plan to tackle taxation

Are bonds really a safe haven?

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Miranda Telfer Grant Williams Melissa Sinclair Rob Cochrane Steve Dando Mogens Petersen Anthony Patrickson Evaon Watkins Danielle Olivier George Ziegler

14 Business tips

EDITOR

18

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

16 Words of wisdom John Psathas and Mai Chen muse about motivation

The landscape on approach to Auckland Airport is changing. Once, where there was green grassland, buildings are being constructed and office blocks, hotels and warehouses now dot the landscape – and with them has come new industry and vibrancy

18 Staring down the barrel The days of cheap oil are numbered, but the trillion dollar question is when, and what to do then

20 Lifestyles A couple of warming winter drops, Samsung’s smartest phone, personalised gadget action, customisation for your face, cool clocks, hip heels, fab furniture and destinations to desire

48 Property & Construction Getting the right kind of cover with Cowperthwaite Roofing, Kensington Park’s master-planned community draws on inspired worldwide ideas, Framecad’s mission to deliver quick and innovative steel framed building solutions, how Glenbuild make dream homes a reality and Tehuia Log Homes’ natural living solutions

58 Kitchens that cook 22 Winter warmers Local hot spots to keep away the cold

Eisno Lifetech Appliances are now available to discerning New Zealand home owners who love to cook

24 Cover story The rotten truth about leaky buildings

PRODUCTION Ian Knott PRODUCTION MANAGER Carolynne Brown PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Sarah Pritchard DESIGNERS Janelle Pike Jarred Shakespeare Jenna Day Phone: Fax: Email:

03 940 4732 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 2012 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 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

38 58 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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A fruitful investment Local business ProducePronto has found a brilliantly simply solution to the problem of finding genuinely fresh produce – personal delivery.

Founded by Joshua Bartley-Smith and Jason Brennan, the company’s key is simple; they source produce from wholesale markets and deliver it to customers the same day.

And yes, it’s a brave new business which takes on the supermarket industry - but that’s what Joshua and Jason have set out to do. The two school friends from Macleans College say that supermarkets have 75 percent of the fruit and vegetable retail sector and ProducePronto can do it better.

purchases delivered to their homes. Fresh fruit at work for your staff with discounted fresh fruit and veg for their homes...it’s a great start to a healthier lifestyle.

The freshness and quality has also attracted wholesale clients such as The Library Cafe in Onehunga and Sierra Cafe in Wairau park. Both use ProducePronto for their daily produce requirements.

ProducePronto, deliver their produce the same day it has been purchased from the growers market.

If you are interested or have a query about an office fruit delivery or wholesale produce supply, Mark would very much like to hear from you.

If you combine this with ever increasing awareness about the benefits of healthy living creeping into ever more lives and workplaces, then the scene is set for ProducePronto’s key growth area – office deliveries.

Mark Steele (Sales Manager) T 021 44 61 43 E mark@producepronto.co.nz

Businesses have cottoned onto the fact that, healthy staff means higher productivity, so having fresh fruit delivered to offices and workplaces isn’t a bad idea at all.

ProducePronto provide office fruit delivery, delivering 100’s of fruit boxes to offices in Auckland, Whangarei, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotarua, and Taupo.

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What one customer has to say…

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Mark Steele, who joined the team in February this year, says” If you already get fresh fruit delivered, that’s great.

However, if it’s not from us we should talk.

We provide the full variety of fruit and it’s fresher as we deliver fruit direct from the market to your office within hours. Mark commented that “price is the easy bit, we are always best on price.”

“I received a call from ProducePronto. They explained that the fruit they supplied was the freshest and the highest quality that I would find around Auckland. I have to admit that I was not taken into this at first, as I thought he was just being a good salesman. But he was happy to prove himself right and sent me a sample of the fruit.

As they also service the residential market, ProducePronto can offer a robust discount scheme to your staff for personal

“My boss, a few members few staff and I, were impressed, I believe their words were WOW. I got on the phone and arranged with ProducePronto to start up our fruit delivery Auckland straight away. I was to be then even more surprised and happy with the cost of the fruit, it was a no brainer to switch over to ProducePronto. We can actually get strawberries and grapes and so much more variety in our orders now, which is amazing.”

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™

Viewpoint | Editorial/Management

Getting back in black

Become a customer focused company

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

By Jonathon Taylor, editor for Magazines Today

John Key’s fourth budget has, as budgets tend to do, drawn more than its fair share of criticism.

Political opponents rarely get better ammunition, served up on cue, than a Government’s spreadsheet.

It’s the perfect opportunity to sink the boot in, decrying the lack of economic, social and moral nous the incumbent government’s numbers obviously represent.

But when it comes to this year’s little number cruncher, I think many may have protested too much, because the nay-sayers are ignoring how critical it is for New Zealand to get back in black.

The quest to balance the national books is, despite what the Government itself is saying, the prime motive behind this year’s budget.

The plan is to return the national budget to surplus in 2014/15. Although admitting Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard’s estimate that this date is two years premature might prove accurate, John Key has said it’s not a date Treasury intends to abandon easily.

The fly in our economic ointment is stuck in a European pickle. And when you look at how troublesome running massive deficits in less than predictable economic times is, then theory of returning to surplus quick sharp is sound.

Debt levels the US is now running is well into the realm of silly numbers and the union’s ability to effectively ‘make its way out of trouble’ vanished offshore with the thousands of manufacturing jobs lost to low wage nations. It’s now anyone’s guess when the Federal Reserve will require any black ink.

Although giving austerity the green light to avoid Eurozone excommunication, Greece’s ability to turn a blind eye to the trouble it was creating for itself is now the stuff of legend.

But it’s alright – they’ve got lots of big, shiny, barely used stadia all over the shop; so plenty of places to run around in circles wondering where it all went so horribly wrong then.

In stark contrast, National’s 2012 budget verges on self-imposed austerity; ensuring net debt remains below 35 percent of GDP and any new spending is matched by a combination of saving and revenue initiatives.

One topic the critics have been a little hesitant to mention is our national credit rating. Credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s, which cut our sovereign rating to AA last September, announced on the release of the budget, that the rating would hold as long as the government continues to work towards a surplus.

Finance Minister Bill English stated, “Returning to surplus is important because New Zealand is one of the most indebted countries in the world as measured by our net international investment position. We need to start rebuilding a buffer for when the next global crisis comes. Surpluses give us choices we simply don’t have while we’re running deficits.”

All bets still seem off as to what choices European states might end up with. But you can’t help but recognise the risk to any nation carrying crippling debt levels and this is why National’s belt tightening to get us back in black within three years is more than prudent, it’s vital.

In this issue we again wade into the leaky building debacle. If ever there was a case in point benchmark that screams ‘prevention is better than cure’ this is it. On the other side of the coin we have an issue that seems impossible to prevent and as yet, has no cure; peak oil.

Labour Party leader David Shearer talks about making a nation where talent wants to live, John Psathas and Mai Chen muse online retailer Felt offers insights into internet shopping.

There’s plenty here for all.

Enjoy.

In order for organisations to excel, they must do more than simply satisfy their customers. They must differentiate themselves and their employees in significant ways that add value to the “customer experience”. They must provide service that is unique, faster, more reliable, more responsive, and more caring than ever before.

Organisations must: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the customer’s needs and expectations, and…

2. Exceed the customer’s needs and expectations.

equipment and processes and that the only real opportunity to differentiate, or stand out from your competitors, is to provide better service and constantly seek ways to add additional value.

It is clear the company goals must focus on obtaining and retaining satisfied and loyal customers.

My tips for the provision of best service include: 1. Know your customer well. Understand their needs and your capabilities to meet those needs. Learn and understand their needs, wants, desires, issues and goals 2. Constantly seek ways to add value to the customer relationship

3. Listen to your customers. Listen to hear, listen to understand and listen Customer service is everyone’s responsibility. to communicate your understanding.

The secret is simple - make it easy and Everyone loves a listener pleasant for your customers to do business with you.

4. Do the right things for your customer.

Customers are really everything. We all Be empathetic and see things from their recognise the importance of the provision perspective. Have a real integrity and of best possible customer service and that strong values with your customer. Treat adding value to the customer experience your customer as you would like to will enhance our chances of future growth. be treated Why then do we encounter and are subjected to shoddy, sloppy and thoroughly 5. Provide best possible service to your unprofessional service? When was the last internal customers. Try it, the results will time you felt neglected, frustrated and delight. As we treat each other better so annoyed at the service you received? I we will all play our part in the provision expect it wasn’t that long ago. of best service to our external customers.

Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the German (and then Customer service is contagious French) theologian, organist, philosopher, physician and medical missionary said, “I 6. Trust your customer and be trusted. It is don’t know what your destiny will be, but the foundation of a relationship. one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve”.

This sentiment needs to be embraced by all in business, who by their very existence, pursue the exchange of goods and services for payment.

Organisations must focus on customer service. It is true many companies have the same levels of technology, similar

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6 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Viewpoint | Governance/Politics

The commercial vs social A place where talent juggling act of NZ organisations wants to live

Katheren Leitner is president of the YMCA Auckland Board

Corporate social responsibility— it’s more than a buzzword. For organisations around the globe it is a conflict faced every day in attempts to align the push for profit and their responsibility to our communities and planet.

Corporate social responsibility, commonly called CSR, has become such a big deal that the Harvard Business School now offers a Corporate Social Responsibility Program as part of its Executive Education system, and this year California’s prestigious Pepperdine University launches its Certificate in Strategic Corporate Responsibility.

Locally boards for organisations like the YMCA Auckland have two arms to their business—a commercial arm (for us it’s governing our gyms and accommodation) and a social arm (overseeing outreach programmes, camps, community services, donations and more). While we report our commercial results annually, we do not report on our social contribution, which some may indeed consider the essence of what on organisation like us is all about.

The effects of the global financial crisis continue to be felt in different parts of our business, and businesses around the country. We’ve noticed in our centres lower enrolments for programmes that are normally full. At the same time, schools have had to cut back on the length of their camps, and it has been challenging for each of us to watch as parents and schools withdraw children and services, or opt to not renew memberships due to financial pressures.

The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), with a host of worldwide locations, tells us that “Corporations around the world are struggling with a new role, which is to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of the next generations to meet their own needs.

Organisations are being called upon to take responsibility for the ways their operations impact societies and the natural environment… firm must now focus its attention on both increasing its bottom line and being a good corporate citizen”.

What does this mean in practical terms? It means walking a very precarious line as a business. We are considered not-for-profit, yet without profit we have little way to fund that which is so important to us the social elements of our business to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Without our community programmes we could report a very healthy profit however, that is not what we are about. So how do New Zealand (and global) businesses marry the two?

The CCL tells us CSR requires accountability by all leaders, individuals, organisations, stakeholders, customers and community members - and yet accountability is complex.

The Ministry for the Environment in New Zealand defines CSR as “a long-term strategic positioning that links a business to a social issue or worthy cause” and can include “caring for New Zealand by meeting social obligations”. This is what we and other organisations highlighted by the Ministry, such as Vodafone and Westpac, strive for and work in their own ways to create.

As the president of the YMCA Auckland, I strive for more than a watered-down version. I challenge New Zealand corporate leaders to genuinely serve their communities and work with honesty and transparency. Through collaboration, we may find better ways to achieve CSR amidst challenging financial times.

Our organisation has, in some ways, created its own hurdles. Every year we report a profit at our AGM. Perhaps it is New Zealanders’ reaction to the word “profit” that makes fundraising more and more difficult. But the word “profit” belies our modesty.

In fact, we find many aren’t aware we still exist. We must ensure that kids, families and communities know about us if we are to come close to reaching our potential— financially and in terms of CSR.

Can you sell?

If so, we want you !

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

I was in Tolaga Bay recently for The Transit of Venus Forum. The theme was “lifting our horizon” and hundreds of scientists, businesspeople and delegates were there to share their ideas on, in the words of my late friend Sir Paul Callaghan, “making New Zealand a place where talent wants to live”.

Topics included science and prosperity, restoring and enhancing the environment, and getting the best out of our people.

At a time when a thousand New Zealanders are moving to Australia every week, unemployment is up by 9000 people and we’ve had a zero-growth budget from the National government; it was a timely occasion.

a government department’s job to predict what’s going to be the next Weta Workshop.

Just get out there and let’s make it happen.

Instead of working harder for diminishing rewards as most kiwis are currently doing, we want a prosperous, growing economy where everyone has work and can earn a decent living. We also want to create many more high-skilled, high-paying, fascinating jobs.

But we’ll only get there if we grow. And that means making some bold political decisions in favour of productivity and growth.

We need pro-growth tax reform, encouraging people to invest in the productive parts of our economy rather than speculation. That way, our exporters will get the investment capital they need and we’ll all benefit from the inflow of international investment.

We need to lift our educational achievement and up-skill young New Zealanders to meet the opportunities of the 21st century. This means reaching into schools to get hold of Sir Paul had a huge impact on me. We shared kids before they drop out. At the moment we have 87,000 young people who are not a view that our economy doesn’t have to in school, training, or education. That’s a grow at the expense of the environment. ticking time bomb and an unforgivable waste Apply science, innovation and clever design of talent. I would like to steer more young and the two can flourish together. That’s people into apprenticeships and rewarding what I think is really going to turn heads in careers in trades. international markets.

We can be a place of opportunity that attracts people from around the world who want to make it their home. Let’s invest in our brains and creativity – in farming, in software, in technology, you name it and start developing a reputation for New Zealand as a clean, green, smart-operator in business.

To enable this, top of our list must be promoting research and development (R&D) in the private sector. In 2008, Labour implemented an R&D tax credit, which was taken away by National. A couple of years later they replaced it, but with vouchers distributed by government departments through an application system. It was an inefficient and bureaucratic way of rewarding innovation.

I want to say to companies that are innovative: Get out and do it! We’ll get in behind you. You take the risks. We’ll support some of those risks and we’ll give you a tax credit. But it’s up to you. It’s not

And finally, there’s the elephant in the room: the future affordability of New Zealand Super.

In just four years our super payments will exceed the entire budget for pre-school, school and tertiary education. And it will continue to rise. Right now, 5.5 people support each superannuitant with their taxes.

In 30 years just 2.4 working people will. If we do nothing, younger people will go without the education and health services we’ve enjoyed.

That’s unfair and we need to make the big decisions, not pass the buck for later when it will be more costly. It’s an urgent issue that National has ignored, but we are willing to discuss it openly and across all political parties. It’s that important.

When he pioneered the idea of the Transit of Venus Forum, Sir Paul Callaghan’s hope was that we would find real points of action to go forward with, to make a difference to New Zealand’s future. These are my first priorities for lifting New Zealand’s horizon.

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 7

Viewpoint | Finance/ Business online

Are bonds a safe haven?

Making Google Adwords work for you

Alan Clarke is an authorised financial adviser with 24 years’ experience in the finance sector

With global economies and share markets remaining in a state of flux, investors have been increasingly turning to bonds for yield and/or as a safe haven.

What about gold as a safe haven? Gold prices have risen sharply during the past two years, but its price can also fall equally fast. Hardly a safe haven; rather a highly speculative asset. However, it may have a place as a hedge against all sorts of calamities, but it is probably best not to have more than five percent of your money in it.

So back to bonds. During the past two years bonds have been far and away the most popular asset class, because bonds – good quality bonds - have been solid and steady.

It is clear that they are popular for two somewhat different reasons: that of a safe haven and/or steady yields - albeit lowish and boring yields.

A bond is a usually a loan to a government, an SOE, or a big, corporate, company.

Bonds generally will be for a five year term, carry a fixed rate and have a rating. There are other bonds that reset the interest rate annually and some are perpetual and never mature. Unless you know the bond market well, it is better to stick to five year bonds that pay a fixed rate and have a known maturity date.

Bonds can be bought when issued, or can be bought from other investors. Global bond markets are twice the size of global sharemarkets and millions of bonds are traded daily around the world.

But as always there are very good bonds, good bonds, average bonds, and junk bonds.

Ratings might be AAA, AA, A, BBB, BB or B, and anything higher than BBB is investment grade. Don’t go below BBB or buy unrated bonds unless you really know what you are doing!

As with all investments, bonds do not offer a ‘free ride’ - the higher the return, the higher the risk. If you want a ‘safe haven’, you must seek quality first and put yield second.

Interest rates are impossible to predict, and since you don’t want all your money maturing at the same time, a bond portfolio should have differing maturity dates; some maturing in 2012, some in 2013, some in 2014, some in 2015 and so on.

Bond prices can rise and fall and the pricing mechanism mainly depends on interest rates: If interest rates rise, the price will fall* If interest rates fall, the price will rise* * This only matters if you want to sell before maturity.

Bonds in NZ are currently expensive (lowish returns) due to high demand and a lack

8 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

of new issues. Hence an investment in a $10,000 BNZ bank AA rated bond paying 8.675 percent and maturing in 2015 would cost about $11,000 today. This is a $1,000 premium you would not get back if held to maturity, although any such loss is tax deductible. The better option is new issues but very few are coming to the market.

What about global bonds?

The global economic infrastructure is in much better shape than it was in 2008.

When the GCC hit, many companies restructured and became as ‘lean & mean’ as they could, and are many are very profitable. In addition they have been very prudent and US companies are holding on to an estimated $2 trillion in cash reserves.

With many corporates in such good shape, investors and fund managers are already tilting their bond portfolios away from shaky governments to corporate bonds, which makes a lot of sense.

But how do you access these from little old NZ? Our favoured global bond fund is the DFA 5 Year Fixed Interest Trust which is spread across 80 to 90 AAA and AA rated global bonds, so has excellent diversification and is very low risk.

The fund is hedged into NZ dollars, so is unaffected by the exchange rate. The average return has been 7.5 percent pa since inception in 2004, and has been about 6.5 percent during the past year or so. Whilst it is known as the five year fixed interest trust, this only relates to the maximum duration of the investments they hold, and funds can be withdrawn at any time.

Bonds in summary If bonds appeal to you, buy a mix of NZ bonds and the DFA fixed interest funds. Take care in selecting a portfolio of bonds, as a properly designed portfolio will always be better than a portfolio put together in an ad hoc manner.

As always - diversify widely, on and offshore.

Suzanne Carter is the business development manager for website design and development company Limelight Online Ltd, and has 15 years website industry experience. For more information visit www.limelightonline.co.nz

Firstly, to explain exactly what Google Adwords is: it is a form of online advertising known as pay per click advertising (PPC). This advertising either displays on the right hand side column of your Google search results, or at the top of the page as sponsored ads.

Setting up a Google Adwords campaign is recommended for the following reasons: • You have a new website and want instant traffic to your website to boost your conversions e.g. sales, bookings, product enquiries • Not all of your products or services are doing well within the organic (natural) Google search results • You have a short-term promotion that you want to promote online • You sell or provide goods and services that are very popular and therefore have a lot of online competition.

Google Adwords promotes your brand, products and services instantly and does so above or alongside the natural search results.

Like an auction system, you compete with other advertisers by bidding on a series of keyword phrases that are relevant to your product or service. But unlike an auction system, price alone will not determine which advertiser’s ads obtain the top positions.

Google Adwords strives to show the most relevant ads to users’ search queries - this means it evaluates an advertiser’s campaign (plus landing pages on your website) based on a number of relevance factors, rewarding those advertisers with relevant and targeted ads (to a user’s search query) with higher ad placements and lower cost per clicks.

Is it easy to set up a campaign?

Adwords is a fairly complex system, but once you do your research and understand how it works and the associated jargon that goes with it, then it can be relatively straightforward to set up.

I must reiterate it is very important that you do learn how the system works, because if you don’t, then your campaign may not perform well at all. As you are paying each time someone clicks through your advert to your website, you really need to make sure you are targeting the traffic as best you can.

Adwords accounts require a lot of care and attention as they need to be continually improved, so you need to allow time in your day to manage your campaign. You must continually work at it.

If you choose to outsource the setting up and management of a Google Adwords campaign, please do make sure that the consultant holds Google’s Adwords Qualified Certification (GAQC). This qualification can assure you that the people managing your campaign(s) have met the strict criteria set

by AdWords and know what they are doing.

The most common mistakes If you are new to Google Adwords beginners mistakes can unfortunately be costly. Here is a list of some of the most common mistakes that are made. Hopefully you will avoid them.

• Increasing bids instead of quality score Before you increase a bid on a keyword it is important to improve your quality score first. This will help improve your ad rank and can lower your cost per click for the keyword.

• Poor quality landing pages Google gives weight to landing page quality, so producing effective landing pages will help with your quality score and ad rank.

A good landing page will have strong relevant content with targeted keywords and strong calls to action.

• Not using negative keywords These are keywords that you do not want your advert to show for. If you do not add in your negative keywords you will most definitely be wasting money.

• Bidding on broad match This is the default setting, so learn the difference between keyword match types: broad, phrase, exact.

• Targeting geographic locations If you are a small local business, then just target your own area and not the whole country. Setting up a different campaign for each location you are targeting is recommended.

• Failure to set up conversion tracking You need to know whether you are getting a positive return on your investment. You can set up conversion tracking on any actions people can take on your site – like making a purchase, completing an enquiry form, signing up to a newsletter, making a booking.

• Targeting the wrong keywords These are the basis of a successful campaign, so make sure you choose the right keywords for your campaign and for your business.

There are various tools to help you work out the right keywords for you. If a keyword is not working, then delete it or replace it.

Viewpoint | Productivity/Online life

Daily planning made simple

What are you sharing online?

Robyn Pearce is a time management expert, helping people turn time challenges into high productivity and the life balance they desire. Visit www.gettingagrip.com

Ask most people about how they manage their ‘to do’ lists and you’ll find that few use lists (if they have them), in a way that gets the best results. Most people begin with the easiest tasks. What this means is that, at the end of the day, they’ve run out of time for the big or more difficult jobs.

Why do people do it this way? ‘I like to cross things off,’ or ‘It gives a sense of satisfaction,’ or ‘I’m getting up momentum for the harder jobs’. The reasons are many.

The following very simple process has helped hundreds of thousands maintain focus and clarity.

1. At the beginning of the day (or the night before), make a list of everything you want to do, in no particular order.

2. Then identify the top five tasks. Number them one through five, wherever they are on the list. Don’t bother to number the rest - just the top five.

3. Start at number one. Don’t stop until you’ve finished, gone as far as you wish to go (you may have set a time limit), or as far as you’re able to go.

4. When interruptions come, as they always do, ask yourself, ‘Is this more important than the activity I’m working on?’ If not, add it to your list, put it out of eye-range so it doesn’t distract you, and stay focused on the more important activity. However, if it is more important, put the other task aside, work on the new job, and when completed go back to your list (considered and thought about before the day started bossing you around).

5. Each time you move down the list, review it quickly. If something that’s jumped on the list is of higher priority than the activity you’d planned to do, give it lead position. The others won’t go away, but because they’re on the list instead of

jostling for mind space you can keep them under tight rein - they won’t distract you.

6. If there’s any day left once the top five and relevant queue jumpers have been handled, go back to the list and number off another five. This saves time at the beginning of the day prioritising things you may never get to.

Another approach you can use is that of Innis, a young manager, who uses time slots instead of sequential numbers. He achieves great results too. He says his planning methods used to be poor. “I kept everything in my head,” he says. “I’d change priorities and activities as I went. Consequently things got a bit out of hand.”

These days, at the beginning of the day, he writes everything down he wants to do, allocates specific times, and keeps the list nearby as a prompt. The big benefit is clarity.

Graeme Russell runs Adage Business; a marketing and communications agency that assists with the planning and implementation of communication strategies. Visit www.adagebusiness.co.nz

People in business are still concerned about their employees’ use of social media. But this concern is not about their use of it as a business tool, but what they are sharing on personal social media sites.

For some, the main concern is what is said about the business, followed by who the business is seen to be connected to; then there’s the concern about its staff, particularly the ‘tagging’ of staff in photos that could be seen as inappropriate to the business and its customers.

Maybe we need to accept that a business has no real control, or even any right, to try and control the activities of its staff outside of the business environment. But it is a concern and how this can be dealt with will be an issue that will continue to raise its head. It is an issue that probably can’t be solved in a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

It’s easy now to prepare. He’s on the road a lot, so now makes sure he has all the paperwork and gear he expects to need for the day. There’s no more chasing around for forgotten items.

Some of the concern is that any online activity could hamper its (the company’s) reputation; a valid concern for some, but perhaps an over cautious worry for others but a concern nonetheless.

The benefit is he’s got more time to get on with things. However, if he’s underestimated the time needed or something really urgent comes up from left field, he doesn’t get stressed. He knows he’s done the best he could.

There have been reports of one business having spent considerable time and money on lawyers to see what action it could take to have images removed from the internet that breached not only the policies of the business, but potentially also breached the privacy of the people in them. This activity had the potential to cause substantial harm to the business, and the time and resources spent having the images removed took staff away from the core business activities.

This simple planning technique has changed his previously somewhat haphazard management into an effective and profitable method. Just a small amount of thought at the beginning of the day has generated huge benefits.

Keep your planning simple, but most importantly, do it every day.

If you want to find out more, join Robyn at her ‘Getting A Grip Breakfast Club’ seminar at The Parenting Place in Greenlane on July 27 or October 26. To register, visit www.gettingagrip.com/breakfastclub

mindful of their personal activity without impinging on the individual’s rights. What we should all be aware of - is that when we take to using social media we have to be mindful of what we’re saying, who we’re saying it to, and how far what we say and do can travel.

For example; when we post something on Facebook or Twitter it’s not just our immediate connections that may see it, but they have the opportunity to share it with their connections too, and those connections may in turn share it further.

What is said to one, 100, or 1000 connections can easily and quickly be seen and shared with many thousands of others, who in all probability wouldn’t have the foresight to think about the implications of what is being shared.

Don’t hamper your’s or your employees’ online activity, don’t even try – you likely won’t succeed, but do try and gain their understanding of the implications of the ‘wrong’ content being seen.

You want your employees to buy-in to your activity and, remember they are ambassadors for your business, so do let them talk, chat and share. If they know the potential implications you will both feel more comfortable and will yourself be more inclined to truly adopt social media as part of your communication processes.

Just remember what’s said online – stays online.

A simple solution could have been to have had a sound social media/social networking policy that may well have prevented this situation occurring in the first place, but it didn’t; it hadn’t seen any need to be mindful of what, where and how it was being portrayed by others.

There’s likely to be others still grappling with the challenge of how they are seen, how they can ‘educate’ their staff on being

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| South Auckland: 09 297 7386 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 9

Viewpoints | Society

News | Events Diary

Is your work-life balance in crisis?

Events diary WEDNESDAY, JULY 25

Karen Degen is the owner of Set Free with EFT, a company that focuses on changing mindsets to create business success Email: karen@setfree.co.nz or visit www.setfree.co.nz

A government study on work-life balance in New Zealand noted that most people got so caught up in the day-to-day details of living their life got out of balance without them realising it. It found that most people would not seriously address work-life imbalance issues until they were in a crisis situation.

1. Learning to put yourself first

The study noted that most employees felt some reticence raising work-life balance issues with their employer, because New Zealanders have a natural reserve and pride with regard to discussing personal issues.

Therefore, by the time stress is reported, the situation is already critical.

Those who don’t generally put themselves first often have the added problem of being unable to say “no”. Because of this they will take on more and more workload, whether in their employment or in their personal life.

They may feel resentful of this and may feel that they are being manipulated by others, but in actual fact it’s usually an inability to set appropriate boundaries, and to enforce them.

Under New Zealand law, employers have an obligation to prevent excessive stress that could cause harm. Prudent employers have work-life balance initiatives permanently in place.

Employees are not the only ones to benefit from these initiatives. The 2003 NZ Dept of Labour study titled ‘Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Work-Life Balance in New Zealand’ identified the key benefits to employers of implementation of work-life balance initiatives as:

Those who are the most stressed tend to be givers personality wise, and always putting others before themselves. In times of stress it’s essential to put yourself first and stop doing so much for other people. Unfortunately this type of person will have had a lifetime of being like this and it can be challenging to change without help. Professionals will look at the subconscious drivers for this behaviour.

Those who are under stress and don’t make this important life change may get worse.

2. Learn to say “no”

3. Ensure there is something you love or are passionate about in your life What enjoyment, fun, passion or interest do you have in your life? People who are stressed and trying to simplify their lives often make the mistake of dropping out their hobbies or interests. These are a vital part of our life and time must be made for these. Cut back somewhere else but don’t cut back on that which gives you pleasure.

4. Ensure you have ‘you’ time

• Retention of quality staff

• Happier workplaces

It’s vital to have time for yourself. Whether you want to spend that time getting exercise, relaxing and doing nothing, or treating yourself to something nice it’s essential for a well balanced life.

• More motivated staff

5. Add meaning to your life

• A closer relationship between staff and management.

An essential part of life is feeling that we are making a difference in the world, even if in a small way. We need to have meaning. Ask yourself what difference you make and if you can’t find an answer, look to add one. Do a little charity work, or contribute a little to your community, or just do something that makes you feel good about yourself.

• Being able to attract quality staff • Higher productivity

Among other lifestyle changes, a professional will assist in modifying the following behaviours necessary for work-life balance.

Effective Writing Skills – Auckland Chamber of Commerce Writing clearly, effectively and being able to communicate to a variety of audiences has significant benefits. Develop your writing ability for a variety of purposes at the Effective Writing Skills workshop. You’ll learn how to engage your audience, create action through accurate communication, and relay complex information to achieve results. For more information visit www.aucklandchamber.co.nz

THURSDAY, JULY 26 Art of Delegation – Auckland Chamber of Commerce Good delegation is a powerful management skill that can help you inspire, motivate and uncover hidden talents in your team. It can also give you time to focus on the future growth and direction of your business. On this course you’ll learn the different levels of delegation, how to empower people with responsibility, how to delegate effectively and build trust in your team. For more information visit www.aucklandchamber.co.nz

What’s happening on the business and entertainment front

with confidence. For more information visit www.manukau.ac.nz

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 Strategic Planning For Success – Auckland Chamber of Commerce This course provides you with the opportunity and skills to plot your business’ path to success. Learn how to effectively plan your business strategy, as well as training yourself to identify business opportunities. This workshop will help you look to the future and effectively plan your strategy. For more information visit www.aucklandchamber.co.nz

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21 & 28 Successful Negotiation Skills (2 half days) – Auckland Chamber of Commerce A skilled negotiator has an edge over the competition. Conducting a successful negotiation is by no means a simple task, but by knowing the successful ways to open, conduct and close a negotiation, you are much more likely to secure a beneficial outcome for your business. For more information visit www.aucklandchamber.co.nz

THURSDAY, JULY 26 American to the Core – Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

MONDAY, AUGUST 27 AND SEPTEMBER 3

A concert that displays the excitement, variety and emotion of 20th century American music with Ragna Schirmer, hailed as one of the most extraordinary pianists of her generation, performing Gershwin’s Piano Concerto.

Professional Sales Skills (2 half days) – Auckland Chamber of Commerce

From its percussive opening, bold brassy lines and jazzy and haunting piano – this concerto is Gershwin and America to the core. For more information visit www.apo.co.nz

How much of your business success hangs on your selling techniques? Whether you are a sales professional in search of even better results or would simply like to build your skills for business effectiveness, this course provides strategies and techniques that will improve your performance and inject confidence into your pitch. For more information visit www.aucklandchamber.co.nz

WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 - 2

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30

Effective Persuasion and Influence – Manukau Institute of Technology

Chen plays Brahms – Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

Persuasion and influence are important communication skills in the business arena. In this hands-on two-day course you’ll learn to bring these effective tools to bear in your own work situation. Learn about influencing styles and persuasion techniques, understand the character traits of persuasive people, and come away better able to negotiate and manage relationships

John Chen returns to perform Brahms’s first major orchestral work, a tribute to the composer’s mentor Robert Schumann.

Sibelius’s dramatic fifth symphony has a sense of grandeur and depth of feeling that will move and transport you to the Nordic wilds of Finland. Conducted by Radoslaw Szulc. For more information visit www.apo.co.nz

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News | Property

Is the boom back?

By Olly Newland

Real estate agents Barfoot and Thompson recently released their sale figures for May and the result are very encouraging.

“The Auckland housing market experienced its busiest May trading in nine years, with the average sales price increasing by 2.5 percent in a month to $582,285. The market showed no signs of the slowdown that normally occurs as we approach winter,” says Peter Thompson, managing director of Barfoot & Thompson. “Sales for the month at 1,165 were the highest in a May since 2003, and were 31 percent higher than for the same month last year, and up 55.3 percent on last month.”

Barfoots are Auckland’s biggest residential real estate agents by far, and similar reports are coming in from other agencies large and small. We appear to have the beginnings of a major upswing in prices and demand, after several years of flat-lining, or, in some areas sliding back.

It’s not a boom yet, but we may not be far off at this rate. A boom has a prolonged and ‘solid’ feel and it’s clearly not there yet. The signs are encouraging (if a boom is what you want). These results, on top of the other indicators, show there’s life in broader real estate.

Of course this applies only to Auckland for the time being, but you can be certain that the effect will slowly but surely spread through the other main centres. As to be expected, not everywhere in the country is benefiting at present. Many smaller towns and cities are still mired in recession going nowhere.

But there are strong signals, there is more to come…

Interest rates One of the major signals is the fact that already low interest rates are continuing to fall rapidly. It wouldn’t surprise me if we

“

Look at it this way;

lower interest rates

are in effect a wage rise by other means, and a better way to prevent a cost/price spiral from forming.

This in turn makes property investment more attractive.

”

eventually end up with the cash rate set by the Reserve Bank between one and two percent and mortgage rates in the three to four percent range.

With the troubles in Europe and USA, investors will continue to put money into New Zealand because of our stability and stronger banks. Governments around the world continue to print money out of thin air to try to deal with the GFC and European debt woes. These factors will push rates worldwide down further still and, barring unforeseen events, I am picking rates will stay down for a long time yet.

Look at it this way; lower interest rates are in effect a wage rise by other means, and a better way to prevent a cost price spiral from forming. This in turn makes property investment more attractive.

We have seen this already with several commercial properties recently selling in Auckland for around the four percent yield mark, which was unheard of until now.

Olly Newland

Property Consultant Impartial, expert guidance

For an obligation-free session with Olly, call: 0800 66 22 80 12 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Where is the pressure coming from?

• Very little new construction of ‘affordable’ housing

• A decades worth of houses lost through the leaky home crisis

• The tragic earthquake in Christchurch destroyed thousands of homes

• The huge add-on costs of building new houses, not to mention GST and council fees

• Immigrants who consider Auckland as a paradise for housing as compared to the overcrowded towns and cities they come from

One of the traps for beginners is to regard the CV (Council Valuation) which is carried out for rating purposes, as an indicator of market price, and assume the property will sell for around that figure. As often as not, the end price bears little relation to the CV. This can be caused by a number of factors such as major upgrades having been done since the last CV, or the downward value of plaster-clad homes.

In my view, CVs are best ignored or if used, seen as a very rough guide only.

• Lower interest rates which allow greater borrowing

• Rising rents due to the shortage of housing and recent tax disincentives all of which act as major upward drivers of prices.

With more than 45 years in the property game, Olly Newland provides a consulting and mentoring service for people committed to make 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

Get skilled advice on residential and commercial property investment from Olly Newland, reknowned property expert, author & Authorised Financial Advisor.

Purchasing, selling & managing property.

‘No problems - only solutions.’

Personal, One-to-one, Confidential

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 13

News | Top tips

How to build teams that

By Stephen Lynch, chief operating officer of can execute Global Operations at RESULTS.com Interesting research conducted

by MIT measured the key factors that are common to great teams - those which function effectively and achieve business execution success.

Interestingly, the notion that you need to recruit the smartest people you can find, and assemble them into a team, matters much less than you think.

Here is our take on the research:

Great teams communicate frequently The more frequently a team communicates, the more successful the team is likely to be.

A lower frequency of communication leads to a decline in performance. This has implications for office layout and design, as well as your meeting cadence. For virtual teams, there needs to be a way for team members to quickly and easily share information with their colleagues - business execution software makes this easy.

Great teams talk and listen Lower performing teams have dominant members who do most of the talking (but who are not so good at listening). Open two-way communication is important for superior performance. Less dominant,

introverted team members need to be encouraged to have their say and feel like they were listened to in order to build a high trust, high performing team.

Great teams have frequent informal communication too The best teams spend a lot of time discussing ideas outside of formal meetings.

Therefore it is important to create as many opportunities as you can for these “water cooler” chats. The more frequently this informal communication occurs, the better the team performs.

Great teams seek outside information The tendency for “group think” (where everyone thinks the same) is a trap to be guarded against. The best teams frequently connect with many different outside sources and bring what they learn back to the team for debate.

In summary, it seems that more communication is better (daily meetings), we need to ask everyone’s opinion (and learn to listen better), create more opportunities for informal discussions (when was the last time you took your team out for lunch?), and get out of the office more to expose ourselves to new ideas.

How to prevent your company growth from stalling It is common for firms of all sizes to reach a plateau where revenue growth seems to stall. This growth tip references research contained in the book Stall Points.

Political and economic factors beyond our direct control have an impact on company growth of course, but surprisingly the research shows that 87 percent of growth stalls are preventable, and are related to the strategic decisions made in the past.

It is critical to measure the Key Performance Indicators that drive your current business model on a weekly and monthly basis.

However, these metrics may not register that a significant change is occurring in your industry.

If you are not vigilant about industry changes and do not take corrective action quickly, it can be extremely difficult to kick start things to get your company growing again. In fact, the research shows that the odds are against you ever returning to growth.

Most growth stalls occur because a strategic assumption that was once true, no longer applies to your business model. In fact, it is the assumptions that you hold most deeply – or have “known” so long that you no longer question them – that pose the greatest threat to your long-term growth and survival.

The tendency to cling to obsolete or incorrect ideas has been characterised as “group think”.

Typically the large incumbent company has enjoyed a long run of success with their existing business model. The leaders become closed-minded; there is peer pressure toward uniformity. Leaders overestimate its abilities based on their past success. They fail to consider alternatives, and filter out new information that does not match their existing view of the world.

They keep expanding the features of their current offerings, adding more costs, rather than more revenues. They become bloated and unfocused. They fail to realise their customers are increasingly attracted to new entrants, with disruptive new business models. They mistakenly think their brand name will protect them from these “inferior” competitors. This classic trap is called the “Innovator’s Dilemma”.

Industry change comes at you quicker than you think, and leaders have to be faster at responding. Questioning your strategic assumptions on a regular basis is critical, but seldom something that leaders do well (if at all). Every month we read about the death and decline of well-known brands who failed to adapt to new entrant upstarts with new business models.

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

Simplifying small business tax The New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) has released the second instalment of its thought leadership paper on ways to simplify taxation for New Zealand’s thousands of small businesses.

The intention is to raise awareness and promote debate on a fresh approach to tackling the ongoing issue of tax compliance for our many small businesses. The NZICA’s view is that a simplification of rules would create an environment that is more conducive to business growth and productivity.

The paper was written by the NZICA’s tax team and the NZICA Tax Advisory Group.

Summary of proposals

percent for businesses that trade in goods (such as retailers) will be paid on business turnover • Tax payments will be made monthly or at any time • No filing of returns • The micro tax of 14 percent and seven percent includes a component for ACC levies • Income for the purposes of social policy commitments (child support, student loans and working for families tax credits) is 50 percent of gross income • The income will be transferred to the taxpayer’s summary of earnings and no further income tax on this business income will be payable.

Small business tax • A business with turnover of $600,000, GST registered and may have employees • Income tax will be calculated on a cash basis on the GST return and will be essentially a final tax

• A business with no employees, turnover of less than $60,000 and unregistered for GST.

• Small businesses that trade through a company or partnership will be taxed analogously to a sole trader by taxing the entity based on the personal marginal tax rate structure

• A final income tax rate of 14 percent for businesses that are not traders and seven

• Transactions, such as dividends and salaries, between the business entity and its owners

Micro business tax

14 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

are eliminated, as is the need to maintain an and their employees, with 66 percent of firms imputation credit account saying their staff feel more energised and motivated. “Flexible working is also acting as • Income tax and GST will be calculated and a valuable employee attraction and retention paid two monthly tool, helping businesses to minimise staff • Trading stock and plant equipment turnover and assist in finding new talent.” purchases are deducted on a cash basis.

The research also analysed the impact of • No provisional tax, no fringe benefit tax and working habits on both company performance no entertainment tax apply and employee well-being. Among New • There are no balance date and square up Zealand businesses, results show: issues such as stocktakes.

• 68 percent of businesses work more on the For further information visit www.nzica.com move than they used to

Flexibility boosts productivity Flexible working is directly linked to productivity and increased revenue. A new study by workplace solutions provider Regus, has revealed that 63 percent of New Zealand companies are reporting higher levels of productivity as a result of flexible working practices. Sixty eight per cent also link increasing revenues directly to flexi-working.

The research, which surveyed some 16,000 senior business managers around the world, provides evidence on the positive connection between flexible working and improved productivity and revenue generation.

Regus regional vice president of South East Asia and Australasia, William Willems, says the results clearly demonstrate the positive benefits of flexible working on businesses

• The majority of New Zealand firms believe flexible working has a positive impact on employee health and morale, with 59 percent saying employees feel healthier • 87 percent of respondents expect a surge in the number of people that go part-time at some point in their career path • Globally, small businesses (81 percent) have embraced flexible working more readily than large companies (67 percent) “As workforce expectations and demands continue to evolve, flexible work is becoming an attractive option for workers looking to achieve a better balance between work life and life. With the rapid developments in technology and network improvements helping to drive this demand, flexible working is now emerging as the norm rather than the exception,” William says.

Quick Questions | Selling online

Quick questions Lucy Arnold

The internet age is truly upon us. Booking a flight, buying tickets to a show, checking the bus timetable, communicating with overseas friends… it’s hard to imagine all those things were once done in person, on the phone, or even (hilariously) by letter.

The internet age has even permeated the shopping world. It seems unlikely people would buy items like clothes and shoes online, but figures show online shopping has been sky-rocketing.

In fact, some retailers exist entirely in cyberspace –no shop, no browsing, no sales assistants. New Zealand business www.felt.co.nz is one of them. It’s an easy to navigate website which sells handmade crafts. Paintings, necklaces, toys, there’s a veritable host of items for sale made by sellers from around the country that can be purchased at the click of a button.

Bridget Gourlay talks to founder Lucy Arnold about the concept.

about selling online

When did you start up Felt?

I began it in 2007. There was a site called etsy.com in America, which started the year before I did, and I was selling on it. It wasn’t really set up well for New Zealand sellers and I saw that New Zealand could benefit from something similar to it. I guess it’s like eBay and Trade Me. I found other people to list their crafts on Felt by just talking to people at crafts markets, looking online and going through craft blogs. It was just a matter of finding people and emailing them.

How successful has Felt been over the last five years– have you been getting good sales?

We’ve doubled in size every year. I wouldn’t want it to grow any faster than that as that would get unmanageable!

How exactly does it work? How do you make a cut of it?

It works like Trade Me. Sellers have a pre-paid account and Felt gets a fee every time they make a sale, plus a five percent commission which gets deducted from their pre-paid account. I don’t really sell anything myself on there any more – I’m too busy running it!

That must make it easy for both Felt and a seller to test the waters.

Yes. We’ve got 2500 sellers. Some sell a lot, but they usually have their own websites and are at craft stalls, sell into shops and galleries, sell on Trade Me and Etsy as well. Others are medium sized and some are just getting started. Felt is just a tool really.

Do you think there’s a growing market for NZ-made things?

People are recognising, especially with the recession, that it’s important to support local people - it’s money going back to our economy. There’s been a backlash against the global brands, buying local is bringing a human link to shopping, and with Felt people do like a direct contact with the seller.

With the online aspect - are people prepared to buy things they haven’t seen/ touched?

There is some hesitation still. New Zealand lags behind the rest of the world in online shopping. Hesitation depends on the product, some sell really well such as jewellery. It’s easy to see what it looks like, but clothes are much harder, people want to try those on.

People are becoming more savvy, both the buyers and the sellers – buyers know what websites to trust - the internet isn’t seen as a dodgy thing anymore.

How do you advertise?

My advertising is largely done through Facebook and Twitter – I’ve got a lot of followers. Firstly I just advertised to the craft’s community because I needed sellers, but now Felt is really well known in the craft’s community – it’s a household name. I’m now focusing on making it more mainstream.

I have started to buy some ads in niche magazines that target my core market – women, aged 20-40 who are mums and/or professionals. We are at craft markets and things like the Women’s Expo. But largely sales come from word of mouth.

Are there just New Zealand sellers?

What advice would you give someone starting up their own online shopping business?

I’d say 95 percent of my sellers are New Zealand-based, but there are a few from overseas such as Australia.

Don’t expect to make money really fast! It’s quick to get a business up and going online but it takes time for the profits to come in. www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 15

News | Insights

Words of

By Karen Pasco

wisdom

I remember some of the best advice I was ever given was from my sister.

I was about 28 years old, working in a job I didn’t particularly like and moaning to her about my situation. Her reply has had an ongoing impact.

“You have two choices; either you stay in your present career for the next 40 years and remain miserable, or you change it. Only you can change it.”

For someone who was only 20 years old herself at the time, the words were quite wise. It led me to where I am today and I have always appreciated how those words impacted at such a crucial time of my life.

There are other times in life when I have reflected on that very same conversation and recalled those sensible words. Whether it be relationships, other jobs or even after falling into a pattern of mediocrity, I have plucked those words from my memory banks and used them as a mantra “only you can change it” to modify my life or behaviours.

We have gathered together bits of advice that others have found poignant. Whether they are deep and philosophical or quite matter-of-fact, these words of wisdom have provided inspiration to those who received it and often influenced them in decisions they have made.

Mai Chen Mai Chen is the founding partner of Chen Palmer, chair of New Zealand Global Women, president of the Harvard Law School Alumni Association (NZ), on lists of the most influential businesswomen in the country and writer of recently-published book Public Law Tool Box .

She has three pieces of advice that have stood her in good stead in her work and personal life.

John Psathas

John Psathas John Psathas is one of New Zealand’s most internationally acclaimed composers, born in New Zealand to Greek immigrants in the mid 1960s. To date, his most notable accomplishment in the field of music was to write much of the ceremonial music for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

One of the best pieces of advice he received was from his father Emmanuel Psathas. It was given to him constantly throughout his teenage years and still remains advice he reflects on.

“However successful, famous, or rich you become, it counts for nothing if you are not a fundamentally good person.”

“I knew from a very young age (11 years) that I would be pursuing a career that put me in the public eye and, all things going well, would result in my being wellknown. This piece of advice profoundly influenced how I went about achieving my dream of becoming a successful composer.

All of my adult decision-making has been shaped by considering that one piece of advice.”

He has shared this advice with others as well as the following which obviously impacts on the students he teaches.

“Don’t allow anyone but you to decide whether you pursue your dream.”

Other words of wisdom we like:

“The golden rule for every business man is this: ‘Put yourself in your customer’s place’.”

Orison Swett Marden

“Do or do not. There is no try.”

“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”

Yoda

Bill Gates

Mai Chen

“The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the Winston Churchill efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will “Leadership has a harder job to do than just magnify the inefficiency.” choose sides. It must bring sides together.”

Bill Gates Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson “Sometimes when you innovate, you make “A revolutionary idea is usually one with its mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly sleeves rolled up.” and get on with improving your other innovations.”

Former Indian batsman, commentator and politician, Navjot Sidhu Steve Jobs

General Colin Powell’s rules of engagement:

“As a small business person, you have no greater leverage than the truth.”

“A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts.”

John Greenleaf Whittier

Richard Branson

“A business absolutely devoted to service will have only one worry about profits.

They will be embarrassingly large.”

“The conventional definition of management is getting work done through people, but real management is developing people through work.”

Henry Ford

Agha Hasan Abedi

“There is no such thing as work-life balance.”

“In the end, did you live life to the full, did you love deeply and did you learn truly to let go.”

“Your life is your message, get on and live it.”

1. It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning

7. You can’t make someone else’s choices.

You shouldn’t let someone else make yours

2. Get mad, then get over it

8. Check small things

3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it

9. Share credit

4. It can be done!

11. Have a vision. Be demanding

5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it

12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers

6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision

13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

16 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

10. Remain calm. Be kind

“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles with it.”

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Issue | Peak Oil

Staring down

the barrel

By Corazon Miller

In its simplest definition peak oil is defined as the point in time when the global production of oil will reach its maximum rate, after which production will gradually decline. Add the range of differing opinions and this definition manifests itself into a highly complex and volatile mix of political, economical and geological issues.

A common misconception is peak oil is what happens when oil runs out; unfortunately it’s not so black and white. Yes oil is a finite resource, but long before we hit the bottom of the well experts say the cost of extracting this oil will simply become unaffordable.

The debate According to the founding Director of UKbased Peak Oil Consulting, Chris Skrebowski the peak oil debate has been ongoing, between economists and geologists for years. “Geologists maintain that peak oil is a geological imperative imposed because reserves are finite, whereas economists claim there is no shortage of oil or oil substitutes.”

18 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

“

Geologists maintain that peak oil is a geological imperative imposed because reserves are finite, whereas economists claim there is no shortage of oil or oil substitutes.

- Chris Skrebowski, director Peak Oil Consulting

Chris says the reality is both sides hold part of the answer. Peak oil is a complex phenomenon that occurs at the point when the cost of incremental supply exceeds the price economies can pay, without destroying the growth at a given point in time. He elaborates that geologists hold a grain of truth in the fact that the depletion of low cost oil will indeed produce peak oil however, the economists are also right as there is no shortage, but they have failed to recognise there is a price where oil can no longer be afforded.

“The problem is that the remaining oil is in extreme environments, it is technically challenging to develop or is difficult to refine,” he says. The increased difficulties make it more problematic to mobilise the oil in a cost-effective manner.

An inconvenient truth A professor at Otago University, Bob Lloyd says until recently the availability of fossil fuels has not been a problem and the high energy returned on energy invested for coal, oil and gas have ensured continued world economic growth for the last 200 years or so.

”

The energy returned on energy invested is the amount of oil, or energy, that is needed to extract and process oil.

Early US oil (in the 1930s) and Middle East oil was very easy to get, with one barrel of oil needed to get 50 barrels of oil or greater.

This good fortune, along with the ratios of 80:1 for coal, meant that the high economic growth of the 20th century could be maintained.

However, today oil is getting more and more difficult to extract with ratios closer to 12:1 for deep sea oil and even lower for the nonconventional oils, such as the Canadian tar sands 4:1.

Bob adds that the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster, with BP’s well drilling in 5,000 feet of water and going down to 30,000 feet, illustrates the risk and energy now needed in the extraction process.

He agrees entirely with peak oil commentator Richard Heinberg, who recently suggested that the 2010 problems in the Gulf of Mexico will be typical of the

difficulties of extracting oil, post peak; and we may now have reached peak oil.

A Ministry of Economic Development spokesperson agrees on the whole that oil is a non-renewable source and that a decline in production is inevitable however, the department says it is difficult to pin-point when exactly this decline will occur. It says the problem with accurately projecting when a decline will occur, lies in the fact that there are basic questions about the quantity of the world’s oil resources that remain unanswered.

“The International Energy Agency (IEA) has no official estimate of when a peak in oil production will occur, but the IEA World Energy Outlook 2010 argues that even if conventional oil production does peak in the near future, known reserves of natural gas liquids and unconventional oil are, in principle, large enough to keep total oil production rising for several decades if necessary.”

However, travelling soothsayer and Canadian economic analyst Nicole Foss, who foretold of the Global Financial Crisis in our last issue, claims the world as we know it is rapidly coming to an end. She is of the opinion that peak oil, which is knocking on our door as we speak, combined with the current unsustainable financial system are part of a perfect storm that we are ill-prepared to weather and will give us a century of challenges to look forward to.

She does acknowledge there is a decent amount of oil and gas left, but nowhere near enough to sustain us until a solution is

Issue | Peak Oil

“

Every availability dictates the social-economical complexity we can sustain. We are going to be looking, at the end of this big energy period, not instantly but over a long period of time there is going to be much, much, less energy.

“It will force a simplification of society.

”

- Nicole Foss – Canadian economic analyst

found, especially when we have used all the cheap easy supplies and all that is left is the difficult, expensive fraction, which requires a lot more reinvestment to get. “We will reach an impasse of net energy long before we develop a substitute.”

The implications

The ostrich approach University of Otago lecturer Bob Lloyd said in his 2011 paper titled The end of Oil and Implications for NZ, it is difficult to report on peak oil with the same level of supporting technical material as climate change, since oil availability and economics is a highly under-researched topic.

Nicole points out that the access to oil we have enjoyed has brought us to today’s stage Though it has a history as long as climate change, peak oil has nowhere near the of economic and cultural prowess - but we background documentation, or for that can’t stay here without energy. matter any national or international bureaucracy dealing with its investigation.

“Every availability dictates the socialThere is an international association for the economical complexity we can sustain. study of peak oil (ASPO) and an NZ branch of We are going to be looking at the end of ASPO, but in terms of numbers and scientific this big energy period; not instantly, but credibility there is no comparison with over a long period of time there is going to climate change. be much, much, less energy. It will force a simplification of society.”

To illustrate how this simplification will manifest itself on New Zealand soil, let’s look at the area of transportation. Dr Ralph Samuelson, vice-president of the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre, points out that oil plays a crucial role in our transportation network. “Transport accounts for at least 80 percent of New Zealand’s oil consumption.”

Already in today’s economic climate we are feeling the squeeze as petrol prices go up.

Imagine if this went up to an unaffordable price – what then?

Transportation is a focal point in our lives, it gets us from A to B so efficiently that many of us no longer live and work within the same suburbs. You even hear of people commuting on a weekly basis to a different city. None of this would be possible if oil runs out.

However, the Ministry of Economic Development spokesperson says the government does take the issue of peak oil seriously. At the international level, New Zealand is actively engaged with international organisations like the IEA and the International Energy Forum to improve

“

international energy data transparency and help provide greater clarity around remaining global reserves. It also has partnerships via the IEA which help improve or develop new alternative sources of energy.

“The Government is ensuring that policies are in place [in New Zealand] to support the transition to alternative sources of energy, particularly in transport. Such alternatives are already beginning to enter the market such as biofuels, hybrid and electric vehicles.

Through the Petroleum Action Plan the Government is also committed to further development of our domestic petroleum resources,” the Ministry of Economic Development says.

Nicole Foss points out that the ‘renewables’ people hope will save us face different, but just as relevant problems. Though sun and wind used in solar and turbine energy are infinite, steels which are created to make these energy sources useable are not.

“It is a fantasy to say that we can have energy in perpetuity because the sun will be around for billions of years. It requires a

certain amount of affordable fossil fuels to deliver renewable energy.

“You can’t build wind turbines with wind; you don’t make solar panels with solar energy. We are good at telling ourselves stories that we don’t need to change, but change will come and it will be uncomfortable.”

Although Nicole paints a rather despondent picture, she is not the only one to blow the whistle on the problem of peak oil. It is a concept, which as has already been illustrated, is quickly gaining traction in the world of academic research.

Bob says the solution lies in changing the underlying belief in continual growth.

“Ecological economists such as Herman Daly have been saying for many decades that the only hope for the world is to give up the doctrine of never ending growth and to move towards a steady state economy, but the allure of never-ending growth has usually been all pervasive and such pronouncements mostly ignored.”

You can’t build wind turbines with wind, you don’t make solar panels with solar energy.

- Nicole Foss - Canadian economic analyst

”

Bob says it now seems difficult to conceive a future outside of the oil driven life-style that has enabled economic growth. “Energy is necessary for economic growth. In the absence of any other resources becoming available the world economy must decline.”

Chris points out the current failure of most Western economies to achieve anything more than minimal growth in 2011 is most likely because oil prices are already at levels that severely inhibit growth. He adds research by energy consultants Douglas Westwood concludes that oil price spikes of the magnitude seen in 2011 correlate, onefor-one with recessions. www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 19

News | Lifestyles

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Thai adventure Jungle Trek It is not your typical beach holiday, but Northern Thailand is the perfect destination for holiday goers who don’t like to sit still. With its rough and mountainous scenery it has been a popular destination for many adventure seekers. The perfect gateway for an adventurer’s Thai holiday is the country’s northern city of Chiang Mai, which leads straight into the Thai jungle. Rest up in this gorgeous city, which is the perfect blend of big city and small town, both before and after your trek.

Just an hour north out of town is a range of stunning jungle, waterfalls and wild rivers, Doi Chiang Dao national park, the Maetang River area and many other natural beauties. To the South West of Chaing Mai lies the Doi Intanon, the country’s tallest mountain with numerous waterfalls and jungle trails. It promises to be an adventure of a lifetime – just watch out for wild elephants and snakes.

Warm red Two Degrees Pinot Noir 2009 For a nice red to warm you up this winter, this stunning Otago Two Degrees Pinot Noir is the one to savour. It was awarded this year’s Royal Easter Wine Show Champion Pinot Noir Trophy, overtaking 200 other contenders for the prize. This 2009 vintage has a wonderful purity of fruit; it is a fuller bodied pinot with an intense plum and dark cherry note. The tannins are silky smooth and the finish goes on and on. But be quick – stock won’t last forever, especially when it’s this good.

Read More at: www.intrepidtravel.com or www.gadventures.com

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Halfway through a text you decide you want to call your mate instead? It couldn’t be easier, just lift your phone to your ear and the phone will dial your mate for you. The 8MP camera and 1.9MP front camera give users a range of intelligent camera features and face-recognition related options to ensure moments can be captured easily and shared rapidly.

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There is nothing worse than a foundation that not only hides imperfections, but hides your face in its heavy-handed off colour shade. To get that perfect match Phoenix cosmetics has a range of custom-made foundations, available in matt or dewey forms. This foundation is mixed in store perfectly to match your own skin tone. Both are light-weight and contain vitamins A, D & E, moisturising and hydrating the skin to give a beautiful flawless finish that blends seamlessly with your own skin tone.

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Steppin’ class Kama Heel For the gorgeous shoe to match your chic executive winter look, Overland has its stylish chic leather Kama in black leather. Master the walk and you’ll have mastered the look in this new release heel that promises comfort and style.

RRP: $199.90 Available from: www.overlandfootwear.co.nz or your nearest Overland retailer.

20 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

News | Lifestyles

<

Ripe for winter warming Hot Berry Cider With the chills of winter, just around the corner, Old Mout’s expert cider makers have created one of the hottest new drinks. A unique alternative to mulled wine, Old Mout Hot Berry Cider is the first ‘best served hot’ cider to hit the shelves in New Zealand. This winter warmer is a seasonal get-together of crisp apple cider and luscious summer berry wine, with a touch of fizz. It’s a bit like a perfectly balanced apple pie with berry compote - take some time to mull it over. For warming and spice suggestions visit www.oldmoutcider.com RRP: $15.99

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The real Spain

Available from: selected supermarkets and liquor stores nationwide

Andalucia Triangle Spain’s most southerly region is the true home of the authentic Spanish region. Bullfighting, tapas, flamenco, the guitar – all began in the beautiful area of Andalucia in the south of Spain. All this tradition blended into today’s modern Spain can be seen and celebrated in Andalucia’s golden triangle, which is made up of three cities, Granada, Cordoba and Sevilla. Its fiestas are notorious for being the noisiest and most colourful, its Easter processions are vibrant, the Spaniards lively and boisterous - it is a land of surprises and contradictions.

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Wake up in style Tambour alarm clock A stylish wake-up call can be had anywhere you travel with this Louis Vuitton portable alarm clock and watch. Its quartz face is strikingly set in its silver backdrop. Light and chic, it can easily be packed away into its equally chic canvas case for protection, before slipping it into your pocket or purse.

Contemporary Andalucia is more cosmopolitan and fashionable with towns and cities full of hip boutiques and hip bars, stylish restaurants and pumping nightlife pulsating with life while maintaining their historic charm.

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Away from the mass-tourist resorts you will find a taste of the real Spain, with some of the most pristine beaches in the country, green hills, olive groves and white villages, nature reserves and snow-capped mountains. To grasp the tranquillity of Spain, a trip or extended stay into the country-side is a must-do.

Available from: www.louisvuitton.com

One sparkling jewel in the vista of the Spanish countryside is Lake Iznajar. Anywhere around this coast are a range of places to stay and enjoy in the beauty and peace of these surrounds.

Spend a night in a 150-year-old Finca with its olive and fruit trees, vegetable and herb gardens as well as a beautiful swimming pool, partake in cooking classes from a professional chef, a horse riding adventure, painting classes or simply relax in the beauty.

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It’s a sofa and bed rolled into one, with a flat-slat suspension which offers superb comfort for sitting or sleeping. The main frame is powder coated in a low-sheen silver, with a stainless steel back frame and trim.

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For Reservation: +64 09 925 0777 or or res@achhobson.co.nz 157 Hobson St, Auckland | www.achhobson.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 21

Hot Spots | Winter warmers

Winter warmers

Hot plates Nothing is more enticing than a huge plate of scrumptious food to fill your belly on a warm winter’s night, when you just don’t have the energy to battle the stove.

Here are two of Auckland’s dining gems that promise an ambient evening with scrumptious food.

Papa’s Pizza

Hot moves As an alternative to the frigid morning run through Western’s Springs beautiful albeit freezing winter grounds, why not try Bikram Yoga.

This form of hot yoga involves a serious of 26 postures and two breathing exercises practiced in a room heated up to 38 degrees. It promises a good mental and physical workout, as you systematically move fresh, oxygenated blood to 100 percent of your body. Done regularly Bikram Yoga helps you to maintain a good weight, have good muscle tone and a general sense of wellbeing. So jump in now and check it out at two of Auckland’s studios which promise an experience not to be missed.

Hot Yoga, Auckland The Hot Yoga studio provides Aucklanders with what it calls an inspired approach to the age-old science of Yoga. In its Auckland studio Hot Yoga guarantees an urban oasis for total health, with a positive body, mind and spirit experience. Check it out at www.hotyogaauckland.co.nz

An evening at Papa’s pizza promises a cosy, heart-warming experience in a small but welcoming restaurant found on an unassuming Sandringham Rd corner. From scrumptious home-made pizzas, luscious pastas and decadent desserts Papa’s Pizza promises happy smiles all round.

T (09) 849 4501 www.papas1.co.nz

Mutiara Malaysian restaurant On a cold winter’s evening, one of the best ways to get warm is by filling up on a nice spicy Asian dish. Mutiara promises a low-key but nevertheless delicious dining experience, with its diverse offerings, from the melt-in-your-mouth roti, to the tummy warming Beef Rendang.

T (09) 376 2759

East West Bikram Yoga The East West Bikram studios, in either Newmarket or Ponsonby, promise a friendly but challenging experience, that will refine your skills of concentration, determination, patience, self-control and faith – all while getting your body looking and feeling great.

Find out more at www.eastwest.co.nz

Sweet warmers There is nothing better than something warm and sweet to make you feel blissfully happy on a cold winter’s night in Auckland. From chocolate drinks to chocolate cakes, there’s a sweet range of desserts on offer at two of the city’s best sweet havens.

Chocolate Boutique Café It’s an old favourite for many an Aucklander, but one that remains a popular temptation. This little boutique café on the Parnell strip is simply a vision of paradise for all you chocoholics out there. From desserts to hot chocolate, to the lolly jars that line the walls and even diabetic options – there is something for everyone.

T (09) 377 8550 www.chocolateboutique.co.nz

Latin fever Philippe’s Chocolate and French Pastries It’s a little taste of France in Auckland central, from the hand-crafted delicious chocolates, to its wide range of sweet and savoury pastries. It is a food-trap for the indecisive amongst us, who may end up buying a croissant for breakfast, a mushroom pastry for lunch and a pain au chocolat for dessert…

T (09) 376 1754 philippechocolate.co.nz

22 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

As winter wraps its arms around the city, going out for the evening becomes a less tempting offer. But you don’t have to spend it huddled on a sofa at home, head out to your local Latin dance studio or bar for a fun evening of heated dance.

Wednesday night Salsa with Coco at the Kingslander Every Wednesday night shimmy on down to the Kingslander where Coco will lead the way in a beginners Salsa class followed by dancing to a live salsa band Banda Latina. www.salsaconcoco.co.nz

Friday night Salsa What better way to get psyched for a heart pumping night out than having an evening of delicious food, classy cocktails and spicy Salsa. Every Friday evening, at Victoria St West’s Mexican café from 11pm dance alongside the tunes played by popular DJ King Salsa, from salsa and meringue to latin pop, samba and more. www.mexicancafe.co.nz

Cover Story | The rotten truth

The

Rotten truth

By Karen Pasco

Leaky home facts and figures regularly appear in news headlines. Often times we discount them, casually shrug, or even have a moan about the cost to the taxpayer. But what happens when it turns out that the leaky home belongs to you? <

Meryle and Bruce Kenny at their Meadowbank

home. Photo courtesy of East & Bays Courier.

It was a phone call three years ago which completely turned the lives of Auckland couple Bruce and Meryle Kenny upside down.

The Kenny’s home before it was diagnosed as “leaky”.

“

There were no signs during the process that anything was amiss, but of course we put our faith in the competency of the architect and builder – who were we to know any different.

We loved our home and experienced not one ‘leaky home’ incident but it was all going on inside the walls without us knowing.

- Meryle and Bruce Kenny

”

The call came from the Auckland City Council and the news the couple were receiving down the line was absolutely unimaginable.

“The council rang to advise the building was non-compliant. I rejected the assertion saying I had documented proof from council advising the building was code compliant. Despite this the council required that I allow inspectors to come onto the property to investigate and inspect the building,” Bruce says.

The couple built their house in 2000. It was their dream home, the home they would spend their retirement years in after working for another five to 10 years. A huge amount of thought and planning had gone on during the conceptual phase of the development.

“We were able to generate our own needs and wants for the building including all fittings and colours. We changed very little from the architects first conceptual drawings.

He interpreted our wish list and ideas exactly first time round. We loved the design and still do.”

The builder was recommended by the architect and at no time during the build did the Kennys have any inkling things were not being done correctly. “There were no signs during the process that anything was amiss, but of course we put our faith in the competency of the architect and builder – who were we to know any different. We loved our home and experienced not one ‘leaky home’ incident, but it was all going on inside the walls without us knowing.”

The building process had followed normal protocols. It had been signed off by council, which had issued a building consent and council staff had carried out all of the inspections throughout the construction phase – which were all passed. It was only a council administrative error that meant the Code Compliance Certificate was not issued until 2008, Bruce says.

The Kenny’s home during the rebuild process.

24 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

The Kenny’s were proud of their home. Others who visited commented on the impact the Meadowbank property had on first sight. It was like all homes; a place where friends and family gather, where celebrations were

held and where memories were made. So when the phone call came it was met with confusion and disbelief.

After being advised by council that the couple’s home was non-compliant, they were then hit with a barrage of council notices, more than 26, to fix it. “At that point there was no indication the building was leaking.

Nevertheless that action by council effectively condemned the construction.”

An investigation by qualified specialists soon ensued and revealed the true internal damage. The house was rotting from the inside out.

It was pure co-incidence that, shortly after the discovery of their plight, a TV programme featured a man who had gone through a similar situation. “Meryle and I were fortunate, no - very fortunate, in viewing a television programme on leaky homes featuring HOBANZ (Home Owners and Buyers Association of NZ) president John Gray. He articulated the plight of people in similar situations as ourselves. On viewing that programme Meryle suggested that contacting John might prove useful.”

The nationwide leaky home problem was the catalyst for HOBANZ’s creation. The notfor-profit organisation provides education, advocacy, independent guidance, support through mediation and litigation and provides comprehensive solutions to homeowners.

As it turned out John Gray is an Air New Zealand pilot as is the Kenny’s son. Bruce and Meryle’s son contacted John to arrange a meeting; “the rest in that regard is history,” Bruce says.

What soon became clear was that Bruce and Meryle were running out of time.

Martelli McKegg Lawyers property and construction law partner Lisa Gerrard explains; “Homeowners must commence legal proceedings within certain critical time frames called limitation periods. Once these limitation periods expire, the ability to take legal action is lost.”

Cover Story | The rotten truth

“

Obviously this has had a huge impact on us, not only financially, but physically and emotionally given what this does to our security in retirement which we have worked very hard for. We face a mortgage at the very end of our working life when prior to this we were in a home we loved and looking forward to retirement and spending some time together.

- Meryle and Bruce Kenny

”

the construction documents to ensure that the wording of the documents won’t preclude them from taking action if the repairs fail. If we are contacted in the very early stages, we can put homeowners in touch with reputable project managers and remediation specialists.

“Rightly or wrongly I felt council’s involvement To minimise the risk of the remedial work to that point was destructive and bullying at failing down the track.” best,” Bruce says. “Certainly had I pursued the direction using council’s input, we would have As they say, prevention is always better than cure and homeowners can also undertake gone beyond the 10-year threshold and that would have effectively voided their liability in steps to ensure they take full precautions when buying a home. Lisa’s advice is that all the matter.” purchasers should invest in a comprehensive With HOBANZ’s and others help, the Kennys building inspection report from a reputable were able to establish the basis for a claim company. in “quantity and quality”. “This required a Three years after that first phone call, the good deal of legal and expert advice from Kenny’s repair is underway. The repair has people in the leaky home industry. At all taken three months so far and the whole times HOBANZ, in the form of John Gray, was remediation process has cost about $400,000 our advocate. There is no doubt that John’s – more than the house initially cost to build. advice in every respect is what maintained Those long-made plans of retirement are now our sanity and wellbeing, providing the best further off as Meryle continues to work to pay outcome possible in an incredibly difficult off the mortgage they never imagined they environment.” would have at this time of life.

Lisa says it is important a homeowner should For others going through a similar situation, contact a lawyer as soon as possible if they Bruce urges for them to get qualified and suspect they may have a leaky home – informed help. “My recommendation is a preferably one with specialist knowledge in visit to HOBANZ. From my experience there the area. are many out there whose motives are more “This is a unique and rapidly changing area focused on their self interests and often not of law. It is important to deal with a law firm qualified to provide the level of expertise that stays abreast of legal developments in required to go down this torturous path. this area, has the experience to read new Equally HOBANZ is a not-for-profit organisation law in the correct context and is familiar with and was formed by people who had been the strategies and tactics of the other parties through the traumatic leaky home experience. involved in this type of litigation,” she says.

“Obviously this has had a huge impact on Lisa, along with other specialists in the field, us, not only financially, but physically and work together to ensure homeowners get emotionally, given what this does to our the best solution. Because each individual’s security in retirement which we have worked case can have many of its own intricacies, very hard for. We face a mortgage at the very a “one size fits all” solution does not work. end of our working life when prior to this “Specialists need to work together to propose we were in a home we loved and looking solutions that recognise an owner’s unique forward to retirement and spending some financial and emotional state.” time together. My wife jokes that it is just as well there is a Zimmer frame ramp at her A more recent development in the leaky workplace,” Bruce says. home saga is when the repair work also fails. “More and more people are finding that Despite the hardship they have faced during their homes are failing for the second time the past three years, the Kennys are also because the first round of repairs were carried thankful. They are thankful of the contribution out inadequately; failed to address all of the others have made to make sure they will be issues; or both,” Lisa says. able to continue to live safely in the home of their dreams. “John and HOBANZ’s influence “A new wave of litigation against the council with our claim was and still is huge – a is now emerging as a result of houses failing lifeline, a saviour, a good Samaritan. John for a second time. We assist home owners through the remediation process by reviewing Gray and HOBANZ saved our sanity.”

The Kennys were nearly at the 10-year threshold and if they’d chosen to continue dealing directly with council themselves, would have missed the chance to take those concerned to task.

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 25

Issue | Leaky Building Special

Uncovered the truth about

leaky buildings

The building boom of the 1990’s saw a change of legislation and deregulation which, combined with the haphazard approach to building and design and a less than adequate consent and sign-off process, led to what is now known as the leaky building epidemic.

“New building materials were introduced which weren’t tested in New Zealand conditions. Plaster and fibre cement board became a popular cladding choice. The combination of these, together with a decline in building skills and loosening of regulations, such as the use of untreated framing timber, led to a systematic failure,” says HOBANZ (Home Owners and Buyers Association of New Zealand) chief executive Roger Levie.

Up to 110,000 homes may be affected by weather-tightness issues, with the cost of remediation estimated to be around $30 billion.

What’s being done to resolve the situation?

The public has been blasted with news about leaky buildings and how devastating they can be. Journalists love to flaunt videos of owners watching their homes being pulled down and photos of ugly, mould infested timber but these “reports” are brief and infrequent. The reality is very little has been done to help those dealing with their leaky and defective homes.

The Labour Government commissioned the Hunn Report in 2002 to understand the causes of the leaky building problem and introduced the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Act which was subsequently replaced by the 2006 Act. When the National Government came into power in 2008, they engaged Price Waterhouse Coopers to estimate the likely number of homes affected and the cost to repair. The Government then announced a financial assistance package for leaky home owners.

A family home pulled down as a result of rot and damage.

Under this package an owner who meets the criteria set down by the Government will receive a contribution of 25 percent or 50 percent (where a local council was involved) of the “agreed repair cost” provided they are able to prove their ability to fund the balance of the repair cost.

The reality Despite all the information floating around about leaky homes, owners faced with the problem more often than not find themselves lost, searching for answers to a situation they never expected to be in.

“The first reaction for most people is disbelief.

Understandably a lot of people bury their heads in the sand.” Roger explains. “It’s hard for an owner to accept that the home which is their safe haven is failing around them and that it will cost so much to repair.

“Often owners discover one small area of water damage and believe they can fix the

The internal rot of a leaky home.

situation. But then the problem spirals as they start investigating and this is when they realise they need help finding answers.”

reliant on your neighbours being able to fund their share of the repair costs before the building can be fixed.”

Roger went through the process himself and knows only too well the emotional distress brought on when you discover that your home is leaking. Not only can owners find themselves living in unhealthy and unsafe homes, there is also the financial impact which can be devastating.

Unfortunately the media coverage of the leaky building epidemic has had a knock on affect on homes built within the high risk period, when materials that are now known to fail regularly were used.

For those who own a unit in an apartment complex the situation can be even worse. “If you’re in a body corporate everybody needs to agree on the way forward. You are totally

HOBANZ in association with Leap were able to get Colleen Dicks into a new house in Hobsonville after her house was condemned as a result of leaky building syndrome.

“Even if your home isn’t leaking, if it was built during the high risk period and has features such as plaster cladding, no eaves or cavity and a Mediterranean design, then it is likely that its value will have declined significantly.”

The Colleen Dicks project

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26 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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In 2007, after a four year battle with Waitakere City Council, retired school teacher Colleen Dicks won a $250,000 judgment in respect of her leaky home.

However, the victory was short lived when Colleen realised that the majority of the awarded sum would be eaten up by legal and expert fees, leaving little left for her to repair her home.

To generate public awareness of the issues faced by many leaky home owners, HOBANZ stepped in and facilitated the rebuild project. The project took considerable effort to bring together sponsors and donors at a time when the industry was suffering one of its most severe downturns in building activity. Fifty three sponsors came together

to help HOBANZ rebuild Colleen’s home.

These companies and individuals provided their goods and services free of charge or at significantly discounted prices.

In mid 2009 Colleen Dicks’ home was demolished. It had suffered from serious moisture ingress and the resulting damage had got to a point where the only viable option was to demolish the house and start again.

The team worked together to design and build the new home. The house incorporates steel frames, mono-pitch roof, aluminium cladding and the latest window technology ensuring a weather-tight home. “We wanted sustainability – low operating and maintenance costs, good ventilation, ambient temperatures and clean air; secure elements like fire sprinklers and smart energy and security management. In other words a lovely, modern, healthy home” says John Gray, President of HOBANZ.

“Even after they’ve been repaired, many formerly leaky homes still struggle to sell.”

Make sure you’re covered After undergoing significant remedial work on your leaky home, the last thing you want to be faced with is further heartache and cost because the build was not up to scratch or the underlying problems were not properly fixed.

In 2011 Joan Henderson decided to sell her 15-year-old North Shore house. However after five months on the market, there was little interest and only low offers. Many prospective buyers simply drove away when they saw that it was a plaster-clad house with a flat roof – two typical hallmarks of a leaky building.

A weather-tightness expert was engaged to assess her home, and they found that remediation work was required. Joan appointed a WaterTight Approved Builder to undertake the works and was given a WaterTight Warranty.

With the work completed and a warranty in place she was able to sell the property within eight weeks and for over $100,000 dollars more than the offers she was getting before the work.

A WaterTight Warranty covers repair work to leaky homes – protecting homeowners and providing reassurance if these fail and the original builder is unwilling or unable to fix them.

The warranty, which is the first of its kind in New Zealand, is underwritten by CBL Insurance

Limited and administered by Builtin New Zealand Ltd, both of whom have extensive experience in the provision of guarantees to homeowners in this country.

•

building envelope – guaranteed for five years and up to $500,000 Non-structural defects – guaranteed for two years Loss of deposit and noncompletion of the repairs Helps sell homes faster and for more – the warranty can be transferred to new owners Builders who offer the warranty have met stringent requirements Underwritten by CBL Insurance Ltd – a Standard and Poor’s rated company with nearly 40 years experience worldwide.

They have jointly provided the HomeFirst Builders’ Guarantee, for both new houses and alterations, for the past 10 years.

Not only does the WaterTight Warranty give peace of mind to the homeowner, it can also be a valuable selling tool, giving reassurance to the purchaser that any repair work was carried out by an accredited professional builder and is covered within the warranty’s timeframes.

•

Only your builder can apply for a warranty on your behalf. If they already have the WaterTight Seal of Approval they can apply straight away, otherwise they will need to apply to qualify and will only be granted approval if they meet Builtin’s strict criteria.

What makes the WaterTight Warranty unique?

Key features of the WaterTight Warranty include:

•

• •

• It’s the first of its kind in New Zealand • It only uses highly skilled builders who must be approved

by Builtin and who can then carry the WaterTight Seal of Approval.

Homeowners can visit www. watertightwarranty.co.nz to find

a WaterTight approved builder in their area.

How can a WaterTight Warranty help me resell my home?

Right now, selling a leaky home is difficult and means competing with newly built homes that have guarantees in place, and with other homes where no repairs were necessary.

Having a WaterTight Warranty will go a long way in providing confidence to potential purchasers of your home. It reassures them that the repair work was carried out by an accredited professional builder and they know that if anything were to go wrong in the future the warranty is there to help.

• Structural defects – guaranteed for 10 years • Weather-tightness of the

Level 2, Farming House, 104 Spring Street, Tauranga 3140 T (07) 579 6259 | E guarantee@builtin.co.nz | www.watertightwarranty.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 27

Issue | Leaky Building Special

How do you know if your home is leaking?

These include a building surveyor to investigate what water ingress the home has suffered and to provide guidance on timber “Many people believe that leaky buildings will replacement. They will also need a designer to create a plan and a builder to carry out the have water running down the walls however repairs and, if they have a legal claim worth this is far from the truth. In fact the tell-tale signs are often well hidden until it is too late.” pursuing, they will need a lawyer. But these individuals need to work in partnership if the Roger explains. best outcome is to be achieved and value and “As a guide we would suggest that you check quality are to be restored. the exterior of the property for hairline cracks “Each professional involved needs to be in the plaster, particularly close to windows and doors; ensure there is clearance between proven in the area of weather-tightness. The the cladding and the ground; check for any building surveyor’s role is not only to assess gaps around joinery seals or penetrations such the damage the building has suffered, but as meter boxes, pergolas and pipes. also to identify the parties who may be responsible.

“Inside the building a damp aroma, swollen skirting boards and floor coverings showing water damage are all possible indicators of water ingress. On our website www.hobanz. org.nz home owners are able to download a weather-tightness risk features brochure which explains what to look for.”

What’s the solution?

HOBANZ believes the best solution can only be achieved through a team approach.

Whether the home owner is eligible for the government’s financial assistance package (FAP), wants to take legal action against those responsible or is simply resigned to the fact that they need to repair their home, they will require a number of professionals to work with them.

www.formereclad.co.nz “ I would have no hesitation in recommending the Forme boys to anyone with the misfortune of a leaky home.”

- KEVIN HAWKES

- Reclad Specialists Over the past five years Forme has repaired and reclad over 120 homes, apartment complexes, and townhouses.

Unit 11, 386 Richmond Road Grey Lynn, PO Box 47, 122 Ponsonby Ph: 09 360 1002 | Fax: 09 357 0058

28 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

“If the home owner intends to litigate, the building surveyor will be their expert, providing evidence and countering any arguments other parties may put up.

Similarly the legal representative needs to be experienced in bringing claims in both the Weathertight Homes Tribunal and the Courts; a designer needs to understand weathertightness features and a builder must be competent to carry out the necessary repairs,” Roger explains.

“

By working together and developing a sound strategy they can repair the home and regain the owner’s faith in the building industry.

- HOBANZ chief executive Roger Levie

A home before being reclad after being diagnosed as a leaky building.

“It is the bringing together of these people to form one cohesive team that is key for the home owner. While each party plays an individual role, a team approach will ensure a successful outcome.

“This is where HOBANZ is able to help – we bring together and co-ordinate the team to ensure the home owner receives the best advice, expertise and result.

“A leaky home owner’s trust in the building industry as a whole has been severely undermined as a result of the situation they are in. They need to be able to trust again and it is up to these new parties to re-establish that trust.

“By working together and developing a sound strategy they can repair the home and regain the owner’s faith in the building industry.”

For those home owners who simply own a property that looks like a leaky building, HOBANZ says; “Our advice generally for owners in this situation would be to plan for a reclad of the property in the not too distant future. While this may be costly, recladding the home should restore, or even enhance its value if you go about it the right way, and may put you in a better financial position overall than you would be if you sold the property as is.”

“The advantage for owners in this situation is that they are able to plan and save up over a period of time to reclad their home, knowing that the value in their property will be restored.”

The same home above after recladding.

”

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 29

Issue | Leaky Building Special

The right resolution

“

When an Auckland couple approached HOBANZ with their leaky building dilemma Roger Levie’s initial concern was to establish what the couple’s priority was.

By engaging a team that works together our aim is to reduce the financial and emotional impact any home owner suffers in this difficult situation.

“They were a young couple with a small child who wanted to get their home fixed.

We estimated the cost of the repairs meant the couple would need to borrow more than $300,000 – a considerable sum given their personal circumstances.

“It would have had a huge impact on them, especially if they didn’t get back what they hoped for when they tried to recover the money from the original builder and council,” Roger explains. “The added stress of sizable interest payments could easily have lead them to accept a lower amount to settle their claim simply to put an end to their ordeal.

“We discussed the options available and, in partnership, devised a strategy which saw them proceeding with litigation first.

“At first the bank were not prepared to lend the couple the money for litigation however when we (HOBANZ) arranged a meeting with the owners and their bank to explain the reasons why claiming before repairing was the best strategy for the family, the bank agreed to lend the money.”

HOBANZ then helped the couple engage a law firm to best represent their interests in the litigation process. The claim was recently

Another home is torn down as a result of leaky building damage.

”

- HOBANZ cheif executive Roger Levie

settled at mediation and they are now in a much better financial position to repair their home minimising their reliance on further borrowing.

“Every situation is different and needs to be looked at individually. In this instance, the strategy HOBANZ advised the owners to take minimised the couple’s stress and their financial exposure was greatly diminished.

By engaging a team that works together our aim is to reduce the financial and emotional impact any home owner suffers in this difficult situation.”

The internal rot of a leaky home.

Another home reclad after being diagnosed as a leaky building.

After

Before

RESIDENTIAL

RECLADS

ESTIMATING

Ph: 09 537 1018 | Fax: 09 537 1013 | E: Admin: admin@reliantgroup.co.nz | www.reliantgroup.co.nz

30 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

CLARE GRIEVE & CRAIG SHORROCK - DIRECTORS

Expert assistance you can rely on!

In the whole vexed area of leaky homes, what you don’t know certainly CAN hurt you!

More and more unsuspecting homeowners are realising the devastating truth that their home is part of the leaky home crisis in New Zealand, especially if the home was built before 2003.

Often a severely leaky home has no obvious signs of a problem, especially to an untrained eye. Sometimes the signs can be as small as a slightly damp corner in one area of the house or a musty smell, particularly after heavy rain. Sometimes there are simply no warning signs at all.

•

The Imaging Specialists are part of Reliant Group and provide a thorough inspection of the whole home from top to bottom assessing the structural integrity of the building and include the use of a specialised Infrared camera which can see areas of excess moisture, moisture ingress or dampness within the walls, which allows you to “see” what the naked eye simply can not see. This clearly shows if there are any issues with your cladding system.

Moisture tracks and spreads over time and as it does the damage increases.

The moisture starts soaking into the structural timber framing of the house, and eventually that timber starts to rot; even treated timber will rot when regularly exposed to moisture. The sooner a home is repaired, the less it will cost, especially in timber replacement costs.

Reliant have been helping leaky home owners in Auckland for many years. Not only by physically repairing and recladding homes but by guiding clients through the whole process from providing invaluable cost free advice on all the options available, arranging architects, engineers, consultants right through to guiding them through each step of a claim process.

So here are three points to remember, which could save you considerable heartache: •

Firstly, if you own a leaky home, there is financial assistance available if your house is 10 years old or younger.

Owners of leaky homes can be compensated by the Government and councils after Parliament passed a Financial Assistance Package Bill in July last year. This package offers an additional option to the existing Weathertight Homes Resolution Service.

Under the new $1 billion package, qualifying homeowners will receive a 25 percent contribution from the Government and may receive up to 25 percent from their local council. Contributions will be based on actual repair costs.

Secondly, if you are buying a new home, please don’t waste your money on any old inspection; get your home checked by an expert so you really know what’s going on inside and out.

This technology therefore helps assess the weather tightness of the home and also detects any plumbing leaks within the home. After an inspection a full written report is completed which includes digital and infrared photographs with written explanations, moisture readings and detailed descriptions of any findings or areas of concern found during the inspections so you know exactly what is going on with your home – inside and out.

•

So, thirdly, get some expert help on your side. Reliant Group has over 23 years experience in the construction industry and have been specialising in the repair and recladding of leaky homes for well over eight years.

Reliant really are the experts in this truly specialised field and the team at Reliant will provide you with completely cost and obligation free advice; explain all the options available to you and guide you through each step.

Craig Shorrock, director of Reliant, was selected from more than 9,000 applicants to be awarded New Zealand’s very first Building Practitioners Licence, so you know you’re dealing with an expert.

Concerned about your leaky home?

Call Craig or Clare!

Phone: 09 537 1018 Freephone: 0800 349 532 To book an inspection with the Imaging Specialists, Call Michael Phone: 09 537 1018 Cellphone: 0212 83 83 63 For more information go to

www.reliantgroup.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 31

Issue | Leaky Building Special

The weather doesn’t affect these builders working under U-Shrink weather protection.

<

Working together to solve the problem What has become apparent through the whole process is that in order for leaky buildings to be remediated, trusted and experienced service providers must be used. Often this means service providers work in partnership to provide customers with the best solution within budget constraints.

For a recent recladding project in Orakei, Allied Exteriors Ltd found itself with the challenge Instead of having a massive scaffold structure of having to finish the project quickly within a built over the whole dwelling, U-Shrink tight budget. proposed a level of weather protection Financial constraints did not allow for full that saw its plastic film product shrinkweather protection of the dwelling using wrapped directly onto the existing roof – a normal shrink wrapping methods. Allied methodology that U-Shrink has pioneered in Exteriors were aware that U-Shrink had the Christchurch rebuild. brought innovative solutions to other weather This innovation required scaffolding need protection projects and contacted them to only be built up to spouting height on the help solve the dilemma. In short, U-Shrink house allowing for considerable cost savings was able to craft a perfect solution for Allied associated with scaffold construction and Exteriors and the homeowner. long-term hire. This method of weather U-Shrink owner Matt Trayes, who is a qualified protection is also far quicker to erect and to New Zealand builder and ex super yacht disassemble at the end. captain, has worked with shrink wrapping Head of the Allied Exteriors project Steve products for many years. For the Orakei project, he looked closely at what Allied Jameson was delighted with U-Shrink’s Exteriors were doing from a building and response to its problem in terms of construction perspective and noted there innovation, service delivery and cost benefits. were minimal changes to the roof. From that Steve plans to use U-Shrink for another he was able to create a cost-effective weather pending recladding project saying;“we never protection structure. had a single down day on the Orakei job

when working under U-Shrink’s weather protection”.

The benefits realised on the Orakei project can be especially applied to leaky building remediation work. Homeowners undergoing significant leaky home repairs can ask their builders about involving U-Shrink at the beginning of the project, to ensure it can develop design solutions that are operationally effective for the builders and cost effective for the home owners.

Allied Exteriors and U-Shrink had a very complimentary partnership on the Orakei project. Trayes says; “The powerful combination of our building knowledge working in partnership with the home owner’s builder has resulted in a weather protection system that the parties did not think possible at the start.”

Allied Exteriors are specialists in recladding, exterior plastering and painting.

Allied Exteriors 19A Triton Drive Albany T 09 479 8901 www.alliedexteriors.co.nz U-Shrink PO Box 303 175 North Harbour Auckland T 0508 333 777 www.ushrink.co.nz

Leaky Home Repair Specialists Professional Advice – Professional Service

Recladding Leaky Homes | Exterior Plaster Systems | Exterior & Interior Painting | Building Maintenance Programmes

“Thank you for the wonderful job you have done on our house. It looks great. We found your team to be very friendly and helpful and we are very pleased with the result. Thanks again.”

- Rochelle Carson Auckland Wide, 19A Triton Drive, Albany Phone: 09 479 8901 or go to www.alliedexteriors.co.nz 32 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Auckland home owners and builders wanting to weather-proof their leaky houses need look no further than U-SHRINK wrapping products and services. U-SHRINK offers an exciting product that literally shrink wraps homes, buildings and building products to protect them from the weather and environment.

Strong shrink wrap product As well as shrink wrapping homes, U-SHRINK is the national supplier of shrink wrap weather containment products and accessories to the shrink wrap industry, building trade and DIY sector.

The wrap forms a tough, skin-tight, seamless cover and can cover any building or structure, regardless of shape. It is ideal for construction, re-cladding, marine, storage and shipping. U-SHRINK owner Matt Trayes says the wrap is perfect for repairing leaky homes.

The water-tight plastic membrane can be stretched over a roof or around scaffolding. A heat shrink gun is then used to heat shrink the film, causing it to shrink by up to 30 percent and mould itself tightly around the structure.

U-SHRINK was formed in response to a need from the construction industry to remain productive in all weather conditions and to enable leaky homes to be rapidly repaired without compromise to quality. This now means the home owner can return to their home quicker than they ever thought possible. In some instances, home owners can even live in their home during the remedial phase. “It’s not like a tarpaulin, which flaps around. It’s light and transparent so it still lets natural light in,” Trayes says.

Trayes is a qualified builder who has worked with shrink wrap materials for many years. He knows the importance of being able to build despite the weather and ensuring what may be already damaged is not damaged further by the natural elements.

Having a qualified builder liaising with your builder is a very powerful and effective combination when planning the most practical and cost effective weather containment project for any leaky home situation.

The shrink wrapping process can vary significantly from job to job with lack of knowledge being a trap for many homeowners.

Homeowners do need to be aware of the pitfalls of some shrink wrapping suppliers – who use materials with significant variances in quality and thickness of shrink wrapping film.

Some are using inferior grade film which does not bond correctly at the seams and some film being used is too thin for Auckland’s inclement weather conditions.

As a result, some leaky home projects have failed in their weather protection, resulting in significant water damage and complexity around insurance. Matt strongly advises homeowners and builders that the product being used should be of 230 micron thickness, which is the only product suitable for Auckland weather conditions.

Some facts about shrink wrapping: • Shrink wrapping is an extension of the building process.

There are health and safety and fire risk issues as well as potential for severe damage to the dwelling if the project is not contained properly. Several shrink wrap projects have blown over with significant damage in inclement weather. Having a New Zealand qualified builder project

managing the weather containment of your property in conjunction with your builder will mitigate the risk result and provide the most cost effective solution for your house.

• Only partial weather containment of a house is necessary in most circumstances rather than the complete enveloping of a house.

• Some weather containment projects have been inappropriately engineered and the resulting costs have been quite significant. For example, you will only need total weather containment of the whole house if the roof is being removed. If not, don’t do it.

• Shrink wrap film comes in many grades of quality and thickness.

Home owners must ensure the right film has been recommended for Auckland conditions. Our high winds, heavy rain and intense UV environment requires the right choice of product. Trayes is regarded as an industry expert and is happy to advise homeowners on what works and what doesn’t.

U-SHRINK staff can talk to your builder and answer any queries associated with the most effective way to weather-contain a leaky home. By engaging U-SHRINK during the preliminary stages you can ensure the design will be done right from the start.

PO Box 303 175, North Harbour, Auckland 0751 | T (0508) 333 777 | www.ushrink.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 33

Why Flashman should be fitted to every building Flashman invented the Flashman Flashings System to overcome the problem of leaks at the critical cladding junction around aluminium windows and doors. The patented Flashman Window and Door Flashings System is proudly NZ owned. The system was designed

by New Zealanders for our unique and demanding climate. The extruded aluminium flashings are factory fabricated to precisely fit each individual window or door.

They are then installed exclusively

by Flashman Installers, providing an advanced flashing system far superior to the NZ Building Code minimum standard requirements.

According to a 2002 report by the Weathertightness Overview Group (Dept. of Building & Housing), 50% of leaks in leaky homes occur around the window and door cladding junctions. Today houses and buildings are still being constructed using sealants as the main method of flashing around windows and doors. However, the failure of these sealants is the direct cause of many very expensive remedial repairs.

There is a problem There was, and still is, a major weathertightness issue with the cladding to window junctions in buildings, causing serious leaks.

This is why the Flashman Flashings System was invented.

Flashman represents state of the art Best Practice Flashing For the first time since the introduction of aluminium joinery in NZ approximately 40 years ago, there is now a robust, good looking, long term complete flashings system, specifically designed and BRANZ appraised to overcome the problematic aluminium joinery to cladding junction. A 15 year product warranty, 10 year installation warranty and Producer Statement are all provided at the completion of installation.

The Flashman Flashings System is tested and approved up to hurricane wind speeds of 232/kph, a rating above any other solution on the market.

Specify Quality and Best Practice Flashman Why it works: The 4Ds of Deflection, Drainage, Drying & Durability

Where The Flashman Flashings System has been installed.

The 4Ds is a simple concept to describe the basic principles of water management in buildings. At Flashman, we maintain that if full attention is provided to Deflection, then the other three basic requirements for flashings, Drainage, Drying and Durability, are of lesser importance as water can never breach the first line of defence. In other words, carefully designed flashings keep water out, even in atrocious conditions.

And that is what we have done with the Flashman Flashings System. It is made of specially formed, or extruded, aluminium sections that are cut in our regional factories to precise window and door sizes. These are then fitted by installers trained by Flashman Distributors.

Flashman has proudly installed our suite of flashings on remediated leaky apartment blocks, houses and high rise buildings. Our unique flashings system can also be found installed at Housing NZ rental apartments, schools, hospitals and rest homes. New houses and apartment blocks feature our flashings too. This extensive range of installations illustrates the versatility of our patented Flashman Window and Door Flashings System. Specifiers, builders and clients can be assured of accountability and a best practice approach to this critical area of the building envelope when they incorporate a Flashman Flashings System in their project.

Flashman™ Auckland | 6 Eric Paton Way, Panmure, Auckland 1072 | Phone +64 9 570 4805 | Fax +64 9 570 4806 Email: auckland@flashman.co.nz | www.flashman.co.nz Flashman has national coverage 34 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Issue | Leaky Building Special

The future Despite changes to the Building Act, there is no guarantee that new homes will not suffer from design and building flaws. The arrival of new products and the push to build cheaper will always provide a risk when building.

“The focus for the building industry, as a whole, needs to be on delivery of a quality product while consumers need to be thinking about value rather than just price, price, price,” Roger warns.

Home Owners and Buyerss Association of New Zealand (HOBANZ) HOBANZ is an independent organisation set up to represent the interests of New Zealand home owners.

HOBANZ is able to share knowledge that has come as a result of helping hundreds of owners deal with their leaky and defective “Consumers need to realise that they should homes. Working alongside building surveyors, not just assume the house they are buying is lawyers, builders, architects, banks and going to last the distance.” lending institutes, insurance companies and other service providers, HOBANZ develops “Simply because a home is newer does not strategies and gives guidance to support mean a purchaser is protected either. They still home owners who find themselves in what need to do their own due diligence to ensure sometimes seems like impossible situations. the property they are interested in purchasing Working through the available options is sound. Sadly these days we just can’t just HOBANZ brings together the relevant parties rely on the system to protect us.” to ensure the home owner has a team who can restore their home.

HOBANZ not only helps those who have leaky buildings, but all home owners. The organisation’s Project Assist service helps owners repairing, renovating or building new homes. By using the service, home owners have access to knowledge gained from extensive building experience, can ensure builders and service providers are trustworthy and that contracts are in the best interest of the home owner.

For more information on leaky buildings visit www.hobanz.org.nz or call the team on (09) 360 8083.

Tell-tale signs of a leaky building: Exterior • Cracks in plaster • Blistering or flaking paint work • Stains on cladding • Faulty or leaking windows and doors • Inadequate ground clearances • Faulty decks or roof.

Interior • Skirting and architraves swelling and cracking • Leaking windows and doors • Mould build up on the window liners • Mould on the inside of drapes • Carpet and floor coverings showing signs of water damage • Flooring that has swelled • Pull up the carpet near the joinery and look for rust marks on the carpet fixings • Swelling, cracking and popping of wall linings

HOBANZ Level 1, 10 College Hill Freemans Bay Auckland New Zealand T (09) 360 8083 F (09) 376 5289 E info@hobanz.org.nz www.hobanz.org.nz

We are licensed building practitioners specializing in high end residential construction and leaky building remedial work.

Ph: (09) 444 8048 Fax: (09) 444 8049 Ash Hare - Mobile: 021 979 367 E: ash@shorebuild.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 35

Cultivating success “

Very satisfied with trade service - reliable and efficient.

Would use them again.

”

At the start of the millennium, inside a garage in the backyard, one-man-band began pottering away, cultivating his way to business success. The hard yards paid off and today, the business has grown into its new commercial premise, manned by a team of nine staff, who provide refrigeration and air-conditioning to the wider region. It’s a family-owned, New Zealand grown company which provides services to the wider Auckland, Hamilton, Waikato, and Coromandel region in a onestop user friendly service. From design to installation, right through to the ongoing maintenance, JSR refrigeration and conditioning promises it all.

Jay Randhawa, the man behind the Hamilton-based company says over the years he has worked to grow his company and establish it as being one that has a reputation for professionalism, honesty and integrity.

“Our motto is quality work done with passion and integrity.”

“

Excellent trade service, highly recommended.

Knowledge base

”

Jay says the company’s expertise lies in the area of both commercial and residential refrigeration and air-conditioning. Whatever your needs, from the small walk-in coolers to freezers in the large warehouses JSR has a solution, thanks to its team of experienced and well-trained staff.

How they do it is simple. JSR will come to your home or business in order to provide an in-depth evaluation of your current space, your operational and maintenance requirements. “Our analysis and feedback can help you make strategic management decisions, avoid unexpected equipment downtime and ensure your system is always operating as efficiently as possible. All of this helps you achieve bottom-line savings.”

An added bonus is this design service is free, ensuring that you receive a no obligation analysis of what your exact needs are.

Personable service, in-brief

As proof of its knowledge, JSR Refrigeration and air conditioning is IQP certified, a member of the Climate control companies association (CCCA) and the institute of refrigeration, heating and air conditioning engineers of New Zealand (IRHACE). Being members of the groups ensures that JSR places a priority on professionalism and performing in line with the standards of its trade.

JSR also has associations with Coca Cola, Impact Refrigeration, Zephyr Pure Air Ventilation, Fonterra Dairy farms, Tatua Dairy Farms, Open Cheese Country Farms, wineries and all the major brands for Refrigeration & Air-conditioning.

“

Thank you for your product.

Service excellent. Top marks!!

Air pumping

”

As winter has us in its grips and huddling in front of a log burner all day is simply not an option – look no further than one of JSR’s range of heat pumps.

For those in need of space, there small inverter-multi split system which promises effective heating while conserving space. “Multiple indoor units can be connected to a single outdoor unit, allowing a model which is best suited to each and every room in your home.” It enhances exterior aesthetics by reducing the number of outdoor units necessary, while providing you with an easy and economical way of adding indoor units at any time.

People can choose from a wide range of stylish indoor units. JSR offers 22 different models, from a wallmounted heat pump, to the compact floor pump, ceiling concealed, ceiling cassette or ceiling suspended – what ever your heat, aesthetic or special needs JSR can adapt to suit.

And as the long-awaited summer months return later in the year, these units can be converted to air cooling.

Cool running JSR also offers a range of condensing units, to cover a range of refrigerating units, from home personal use to large scale commercial use in restaurants, supermarkets and warehouses.

Also on offer: • A hire service for Fridges, Freezers, Chillers and Cool rooms • 2nd hand refrigeration units – buy sell and trades.

We also offer a wide range of fully reconditioned 2nd hand refrigeration and chiller units New Zealand wide. Our units have a warranty and can help you reduce refrigeration costs • Design and installation of commercial refrigeration • Design and installation of air conditioning units • Design and installation of industrial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems • Twenty-four hour callout service for customers • Maintenance and service contracts to suit the customer’s needs.

• On farm refrigeration • Central ducted air conditioning, heat pumps and inverter units for new and established homes • Designing and building cool rooms, freezer rooms and processing rooms • Ice cream machines • Truck chiller units • Chiller trailer hire • All types of second-hand refrigeration equipment.

• Air Conditioning Specialists and Engineers

JSR JSR Refrigeration and air conditioning Ph. 0800 JSR RAC (0800 577 722) sales@jsr.co.nz www.jsr.co.nz

Air cycling As we head straight for the cold clutches of mid-winter nights, we all want nothing more than a warm, cosy and healthy home. But the reality is many New Zealand houses are both difficult and expensive to heat. Around 35 percent of the energy used in the average kiwi household goes towards heating the home.

As a solution, many people turn to insulation as the first step to keeping the heat in. It is true without adequate insulation a lot of your heat is just wasted; improving your home’s ability to keep in the heat and maintain the smart use of a clean efficient heating system will make your home more cost-effective to run and warmer and healthier to live in.

But what about the other culprit? Condensation? In a damp home insulation won’t be able to adequately keep the heat in, nor does it put the heat in the right places.

This is where Zephyr Pure Air Ventilation Ltd steps in, to help do the rest and tackle dampness at the source.

Heat Transfer You also have the option to add a heat transfer kit to your Zephyr Pure Air Ventilation system that will allow you to move warm air from a room with a radiant heat source like a fire, through the HEPA filter and existing ductwork, to other areas of the home, ensuring all are kept warm and toasty – wherever they may be.

Quick, easy savings Jay says the system works very efficiently and is very cheap at just 10c a day. “All you do is press a button to set the time and desired home temperature once during winter and again in summer, then just let the system work automatically and quietly in the background, 365 days of the year.”

The Zephyr system also helps the average household to save, as during winter, since the system filters the warm air in, the heater will only need to be dragged out at night – once the sun goes down. It monitors the temperature inside the house and limits cold air intake during the night hours to avoid over-cooling, minimising the unnecessary use of a heating system.

“

We have had our Zephyr unit four weeks now and from the second night it was installed the air felt cleaner and drier with no more lingering cooking smells. The condensation on the window is less and if we do have some moisture it is gone in no time. I’m impressed with the whole system. This is just the first month so we can’t wait to see what it will be like in a few months.

- Mr & Mrs Wilson, Waikato

How it works Zephyr Air’s managing director, Jay Randhawa says what ventilation does is transfer air from both in and out of the house distributing it where and when it is needed.

”

Keeping dry The average household can generate up to 30 litres of water per day inside the home. So when conditions that promote condensation arise, the system automatically brings in highly filtered air to slightly pressurise the home. The dry air displaces the damp air and condensation is heavily reduced. The system continues to dry out the home over time so furniture, drapes, bedding and carpets are slowly dried out too.

Fighting the cold Your roof space heats up through lost heat from the home and even more from the sun. The system automatically uses that free heat to bring the home temperature up to the desired temperature. By allowing the Zephyr system to heat the home all day, existing heating systems only need to be used a fraction of the time to top up the heat when the sun goes down.

Keeping it fresh The Zephyr Pure Air System is the only system that ensures the air in the home is replaced with highly filtered fresh air every 12 hours, 365 days of the year. This helps to purge out pollutants and odours, with fresh air being introduced day and night. There is no reason to wake up to last night’s cooking smells or come home to a damp house.

Summer cooling During the warmer months the Zephyr Pure Air Ventilation system will automatically bring cool outside air in to thermostatically reduce the temperature in the home to a comfortable level. While your roof space may still be very hot hours after the sun has gone down, by introducing air through from the outside grill, summer cooling can be achieved. Cool outside air gently moving through the home makes it much easier to sleep on those hot, humid nights.

Health Benefits Through employing the highest level of filtration in the domestic ventilation market, the HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter removes at least 99.99% of dust, pollen, bacteria and airborne particles 0.3 microns (human hair is approximately 150microns) and greater.

Superior condensation control means there is a significant reduction in mould spores and dust mites which contribute toward many respiratory conditions.

Jay points out that asthma and allergy sufferers will enjoy the health benefits of breathing drier, allergen free air.

All it takes is three hours and approximately $3,750, including GST, to get the average house fitted with a ventilation system that will last the distance.

Zephyr Pure Air Ventilation Ltd P. 0508 ZEPHYR (937 497) E. info@zephyrair.co.nz W. www.zephyrair.co.nz

Hospitality | The Foodstore

Flair

Food with

Menu sampler

With its stylish décor, dark wood furniture and a glorious view of Auckland’s viaduct The Foodstore promises quality New Zealand food served with panache. Its open kitchen and casual dining areas exude a quiet confidence as customers take home a feel for the behind-the-scenes world of hospitality.

Culinary magic

Merino lamb, braised shoulder and roasted rump, with pea and mint puree, crispy polenta and rosemary jus.

Waikanae crab fritter with lemon and wasabi mayonnaise, fennel and orange salad Cloudy clam chowder with toasted bread and citrus oil Pan-fried Rose’s haloumi cheese with cabbage and pea salad and garlic lemon dressing Wild mushrooms with potato gnocchi, Jerusalem artichoke puree and roasted garlic Crispy pork belly with a caramelised onion puree, blackball salami company’s famous black pudding and mustard sea sauce Classic Kiwi steak, egg and chips.

Hawke’s Bay eye fillet with roasted field mushroom and a red wine jus Apple and feijoa trifle with cider granite

The Foodstore is a unique live food Classic Kiwi pavlova with passionfruit entertainment experience, enabling you to curd and citrus fruits get up and close with some of New Zealand’s Poached pear crumble with caramel best chefs, including Mark Southon. Dotted sauce, star anise yoghurt and vanilla around the kitchen’s interior are TV screens, all ice cream tuned in on the open-plan kitchen, allowing diners to catch up on kitchen action. The idea Chocolate pudding with butterscotch is to let guests enjoy the cooking as much as sauce and malt ice cream. they enjoy the food. The chefs, used to being in the spotlight, are more than happy to talk about what it is they are cooking.

Every guest who walks through The Foodstore’s doors is offered a genuine feel of warm kiwi-hospitality, whether you are 100% New Zealand just popping in for a drink, a casual bite or a All of The Foodstore’s food is New Zealand full-course meal. The Foodstore promises a sourced and cooked to perfection by these memorable and entertaining experience that star chefs who takes more than a little pride exudes passion, quality and great fun. in only using the best and freshest New

“

Zealand ingredients. In addition, the wine list is comprised entirely of New Zealand wines with the only exception being the champagne.

Customer raves

We dined at the Foodstore and enjoyed our meals. We skipped entrees and had mains of pork belly and eye fillet (with duck fat potatoes!). We had sides of cauliflower cheese and broccoli with lemon butter, and for us – the mains and sides together made an awesome and satisfying dining experience! Could not fault the staff who were friendly and gave enough attention without being overwhelming.

We finished our evening with the Chocolate Pud, which was the icing on the cake – rich, but complemented so nicely with the butterscotch icecream! We’ll be back!

– Miss L

”

At The Foodstore the menus take creativity to a new level, paired it with fresh, natural produce from local farmers who focus on sustainability and the humane treatment of animals. Each and every meal is a celebration of the very best of this country’s food and wine, served on a plate in either starter or main size – to suit any appetite. The extensive wine-list is also a reflection of this niche kiwiana restaurant’s commitment to serving New Zealand’s best wines.

And if, for those who enjoyed the meal so much, they want to take more home – The Foodstore has pantry selves full of its nonperishable ingredients for sale.

The flagship As well as being a premium restaurant for quality food, The Foodstore is also the flagship restaurant for New Zealand’s own Food TV aired on Sky’s Channel 9.

The Foodstore restaurant is the place where many of these programmes come to light such as the Best of New Zealand Food and the Monteith’s Wild Food Challenge.

New Zealand King Salmon are proud to supply our finest Marlborough King Salmon to The Foodstore. Raised in the pristine waters of the Marlborough Sounds, our King Salmon are renowned for their firm texture, vibrant colour and exquisite taste.

0800 725 666 | www.kingsalmon.co.nz 38 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Hospitality | The Foodstore

Introducing The Foodstore’s Mark is UK born and bred. His love of cooking began at an early age and drove his desire to train and work as a top chef. He began his formal career in many Michelin star restaurants in Europe before embarking on a culinary adventure on this side of the world.

Mark worked at the prestigious Vue de Monde in Australia, which won top restaurant for two years running. When his job there was done he made the decision to cross the ditch to New Zealand’s green pastures. Today Mark is considered to be one of The Foodstore’s gems, bringing a lovely blend of elegance and sophistication to his dishes.

We get a glimpse behind the scenes with a quick Q and A with the man himself.

Mark Southon

What is your cooking style then?

“Well at The Foodstore we have an open kitchen so we have to be friendly and chatty.

But really it’s great, we have a great team, who work well and are fast learners so there is no need to be like that.”

What was your first job?

“I worked at a one star Michelin restaurant called Juniper in the UK. It was a great experience, I had come straight from college into the job. It was a real eye-opener with long days that just got me hooked. It was a small kitchen and it was hard work but they kept teaching me, it was a great learning experience.

“From there I moved onto another onestar Michelin country house-hotel called Hambleton hall famous for game. Every year there was a massive game season, my goal was to work hard and get good enough to do the sauce section and just experience the game season.

“After that I travelled around a bit and then I went to Australia where I worked at Vue de Monde, which won best Australian restaurant two years running. It was just amazing working for such a distinguished chef and learning new techniques in the inner Melbourne CBD.”

Why did you want to become a chef?

“I remember sitting on the kitchen worktop at home watching mum cook, stirring things on the cook top, licking the cake bowl. This was my first memory of cooking, things just grew from there, learning to cook myself and later on going to Catering College.”

Who inspired you?

“Gary Rhodes was the first cookbook I used, I used to cook out of this every Sunday – this was my first inspiration. Gordon Ramsey was another big inspiration for me. Thomas Keller [American chef of 2,3-star Michelin restuarants] is now a major inspiration.”

Do you take after Gordon Ramsey in the kitchen?

“No.” he laughs

What was your biggest faux-pas in the kitchen?

“Uh… In school - home and economics we were making a meringue, there was rum and bits and bobs and a meringue topping.

I brought the rum from home - which I probably wasn’t supposed to do – and was just so excited I didn’t read the recipe properly. I put all the rum in the egg whites and it just didn’t whip up – it was a mess – lesson learnt.

“Another incident also at catering college was with a friend. He wasn’t very chefy. We were making a bread and butter pudding and I ended up overcooking mine, it was all burnt and split. So I took his home and passed it off as mine, because it was so good - one of the only good things he made – and he has never let me live it down.”

Why come to New Zealand?

How did you enjoy being on TV?

“I had only planned to be in Australia for six months before going back to the UK but ended staying two and a half years.

Eventually it became time to leave; I had had enough and wanted new experiences. I had friends who had moved to New Zealand so I thought why not. I was already connected with a guy in Queenstown so I got a job there – it was all set up when I arrived. After a year there we made the trek to Auckland four and a half years ago to work at the French Cafe.”

“It was a totally new avenue that needed new skills. It was great fun. It was new for everyone.

Why do you love New Zealand?

“The lifestyle is amazing, everyone has got opportunities to do what they want. In Auckland you can drive in any direction to experience something different... and half of the UK is here anyway.”

Why join The Foodstore?

“I had been here from the very beginning of The Foodstore. The challenge drew me in.

I didn’t realise there was all the TV stuff at first, but I was looking for the next step in my career gave them a call, went to meet them…”

“Being on the Monteith’s show was amazing.

Being able to see the country, the people, to ride on a helicopter... We also went to a private hunting block where they showed us around. We were taken to hunt deer – not so successfully… Doing this felt like being a part of real New Zealand, it wasn’t so touristy, you get to go right inside New Zealand and meet the locals.”

What’s your favourite dish?

“You just can’t beat a good Sunday roast – maybe that’s the UK coming out of me. Fish and chips are also great… and mushy peas, you just can’t get good mushy peas here, people wonder what you are on about.”

What do you do when you are not cooking?

“Sleep…I’m also training for a half-marathon… or trying to train… Also when I’m not cooking we eat out quite a lot, there are so many places in New Zealand, it is great to go out and enjoy it.”

Flower Power (NZ) Ltd Are very proud to supply

www.artofproduce.co.nz

Purveyors of fresh Fruit and Vegetables to quality kitchens

Proud to support and supply The FoodStore.

Ph. 09 360 4450 | 36A Crummer Road, Grey Lynn | E. info@artofproduce.co.nz

Proud to be associated with The FoodStore Ph. 03 485 9660 info@nzmanukaeggs.co.nz www.nzmanukaeggs.co.nz

Highest Quality Oils, Waste Oil Recycling for Biofuel Range Hood and Filter Cleaning Ph: 021 022 04106 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 39

Hospitality | The Foodstore

On-screen delights Calling all food connoisseurs, stayat-home chefs and anyone with a love of everything food to the home of food – Sky’s Food TV. It promises quality programming that throws on to your screens a enticing mix of ethnic cuisine, cooking stars, design innovation, entertainment, a glimpse of reality, health, beauty, education and a chance to travel.

on Auckland’s Viaduct. It is a unique food entertainment complex which provides New Zealanders with an insight into the exciting world of the food and hospitality industry.

The channel features a series of programmes hosted by celebrity chefs including Nigella Lawson, Rick Stein, Ainsley Harriott and Jamie Oliver.

So turn on the telly and take a peek or even better take a walk down to its flagship store and sample some of New Zealand’s best dishes for yourself.

NZ King Salmon

New to screen The Foodstore is the location for shooting shows for Food TV, The Foodstore chefs, Best of New Zealand Food and the Monteith’s Wild Food Challenge and some newcomers

It’s the perfect visual feast for anyone craving more than just the snack of food programmes free to-air TV provides. Food TV is New Zealand’s first and only channel dedicated exclusively to food – dining on the visual feast is limitless with no fear of paying for it in calories.

Reza: Spice Prince of India Thursday 9:00pm

Food TV is the brainchild of three great minds, Julie Christie, Greg Heathcote and Mike Molloy, who came up with a unique idea to bring food and entertainment into one complex.

Go on a journey with Reza Mahammad, one of the UK’s top Indian restaurateurs, through the beautiful state of Rajasthan as he explores the culinary traditions of the great Indian palaces. Feast on everything from royal fares, to modern dishes and watch as Reza samples and makes food from 100-year-old recipes.

In December 2010 the vision became a reality with the launch of the television channel and its flagship restaurant The Foodstore

One of the high quality local ingredients regularly used by the Foodstore is Marlborough King Salmon from the New Zealand King Salmon Company.

Raised in the pristine waters of the Marlborough Sounds, where the swift flowing cold waters help produce a firm, rich flesh texture, vibrant colour and exquisite taste, the Marlborough King Salmon is highly regarded by chefs around the world.

Marlborough King Salmon’s naturallyhigh long-chain Omega-3 oil content provides a wonderful rich flavour, and also makes it a healthy and delicious choice for your dishes. The Foodstore presents Marlborough King Salmon in a variety of appetising dishes including ‘House-smoked Marlborough King Salmon with scrambled free-range eggs on sourdough toast’.

The Sugar Club Sunday 4:30pm The Sugar Club is an engaging and inspirational baking series hosted by two of New Zealand’s most accomplished creators; Global Baker Dean Brettschneider and Dollop Puddings’ Julia Crownshaw.

Each week Dean and Julia set out on a journey to turn the impossible into reality. Perfect pastry is transformed into melt-in-your-mouth mille-fuille, sweet dough is moulded into classic Boston buns and decadent whoopee pies. Elaborate techniques normally reserved for the best of the best are exhibited on this deliciously educational and entertaining New Zealand grown cooking show.

The Foodstore Market Square Viaduct Harbour T (09) 377 0125 thefoodstore.tv Monday to Sunday - eat and drink from 11:30am

— Advertising Feature

Proudly supporting Mark and his Team at The Foodstore Skellonz – NZ Owned Food Service Supplier to the Hospitality Industry. Quality dried, chilled and frozen products, provided with exceptional customer service at competitive prices.

Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing the quality of meat products delivered to your business is guaranteed to be of the highest quality.

Proud to supply Auckland’s top Restaurants including The FoodStore

P. 09 835 3912 | 18-22 The Concourse, Henderson, Waitakere City, Auckland | www.skellonz.co.nz

Ph. 09 634 0597 | Fax. 09 634 7982 | PO Box 13559, Onehunga, Auckland E. sales@jrwholesale.co.nz | www.jrwholesale.co.nz

www.greattastenz.co.nz | Providing the very best of New Zealand ingredients to chefs, caterers and food specialist companies.

40 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Hospitality | Toto Restaurant

An experience

to dine for

Set Menu for groups of 10 or more Menu is designed for the whole table to share.

GOURMET MENU ($75.00 )

SERGIO MAGLIONE MENU ($95.00)

PANE & OLIVE

PANE & OLIVE

Selection of freshly baked bread, olives and NZ extra virgin olive oil

Selection of freshly baked bread, olives and NZ extra virgin olive oil

FRITTURA DI CALAMARI

FRITTURA DI CALAMARI

Baby calamari, crispy vegetables, sesame, agrodolce sauce

Baby calamari, crispy vegetables, sesame, agrodolce sauce

CARPACCIO DI VITELLO

CARPACCIO DI VITELLO

Herb smoked veal carpaccio, cipriani sauce, rocket and parmesan

Herb smoked veal carpaccio, cipriani sauce, rocket and parmesan

GNOCCHI

RAVIOLI

Home made potato gnocchi, gorgonzola, zucchini, pine nuts

Home made beef, ravioli, mixed mushroom ragu and truffle oil

PESCE

PESCE

Fish of the day, daily garnish

Fish of the day, daily garnish

AGNELLO Lamb rump, ricotta stuffing, pine nuts, radicchio, pea puree AND selection of side dishes TIRAMISU Sponge fingers, espresso, coffee liqueur and mascarpone.

CERVO Venison loin, beetroot carpaccio, forest mushroom caprino contorni AND a selection of side dishes.

PANNA COTTA DI FICO Fig panna cotta, mango sorbet, conefilled chocolate

Food, wine, beers and spirits. ...Available from leading foodstores and distributors.

Toto Italian restaurant in Auckland’s CBD prides itself on offering a whole “wine and dine” experience in a classic Italian setting. Its hard work this year has paid off, with Toto named the “Best Italian Restaurant” in the Metro Audi Restaurant Awards.

Wining and dining Toto holds the mantra of creating a great meal that is not just the food and wine, but an overall experience. “We try to make it an extraordinary one by creating a beautiful place – one filled with staff who care about it as much as they care about their home and care for the most important guests in it.

“Sergio Maglione [the current owner and head chef] and his team are obsessive about the Italian cuisine.”

Roy says the food is made from a range of top-quality imported Italian ingredients mixed in with a range of good New Zealand producers. He also points out, as much as the quality of the food remains consistent; Toto likes to jazz up its offerings a little by making regular changes to the menu.

Pride in performing

“We have classics that stay on the list, but we change the rest every two months or so, so it doesn’t become boring.

Restaurant manager Roy Assadi says it’s a point of pride for Toto’s that it has received such great accolades. He adds critics can recognise potential just by sitting down and opening a menu; with Toto’s the critics have not just recognised potential, but an award winning quality.

“It is really important to change things around a little.”

The restaurant’s ambience alone speaks volumes; from the moment you walk through the door, till the moment you walk out fully satiated, Toto Restaurant and its staff, ensure an all-round wine and dine experience. Aiding its image and reputation is the restaurant’s classic European décor; candles providing an ambient light mood, the heart-warming fire-place and the old school rustic, but classic colouring.

From the décor through to what’s served on a plate, Toto has certainly established itself as a top-of-the-game provider of modern Italian cuisine. Its inspiration comes from the south of Italy and the Amalfi coast.

Roy adds that wine plays a central role in a dining experience at Toto. “We ensure that the food works well with the wine list.” He says the wines on the restaurant’s 300 – 400 strong wine-list are all sourced from top quality producers in Italy, New Zealand and Australia.

“It is about offering good-quality food and wine together in a boutique area.”

Other worthy mentions • 2011 Metro Auckland runner up for best Italian

Roy says its success is attributed to the team that works well together and an owner who is hands on. “I say this not because I work here, but because I can see from the front of house staff, right through to the back of house staff we work together.

“Our owner is hands on and we do our best.

It is not always perfect, but we were chosen because we promise to look after our guests.

We have a view to wow with the small things.

We like to keep it surprising and exciting.”

• 2010 – Metro Auckland top 50 • 2008 – 2009 Metro best Italian • 2009 Lewisham Award for the best wine list

Toto Restaurant 53 Nelson Street Auckland T (09) 302 2665 www.totorestaurant.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Federal Geo Limited Congratulates

Toto Restaurant on the

Best Italian Resturant Award 2012

www.pdi.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 41

Hospitality | Circus Circus Café

Café thrills

By Corazon Miller

One of the names that always managed to follow the question “coffee date?” was Circus Circus.

In my five years living in Auckland, as a student then later as a working professional, not a month would go by that I didn’t pop into this boutique, buzzing café in the centre of Mt Eden Village.

The Circus Circus duty manager, Kent Rowe, who has been working with the café for the past eight years says they work to provide “consistent product with quality service”.

Many of the service and kitchen staff have worked at the café for over five years, which Kent says is something that the customers appreciate.

I’m well known among my friends for my ability to “live” in cafes, from hibernating in a corner, with my coffee and laptop to socialising over a meal with a group of friends. Circus Circus, with a vibe reminiscent of the carnival fairs and circus days, was a favourite among my café haunts.

The only possible flaw may be, and it is a subjective one at that, is the serving size; for someone with my small appetite it is huge.

But, for those who are of the glass half full variety, this simply means you can wrap it up to take home and eat when the late-night munchies pay a visit.

Magnetic attraction

Tasty menu

This gem of a place seems to have a magnetic attraction I’m unable to pull away from. I’ve been there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, coffee, for study sessions and even on a romantic dessert date. The lovely ambience of the place just never seems to wear thin. With an ever-changing luscious menu and quality drinks, its warm and buzzing nature has an attraction that is hard to beat.

The Circus Circus menu, designed and put together by head chef Jo Beck, throws a delightful range of options into the circus ring. From the standard breakfast options of eggs benne to the more adventurous bagel tower, to the braised pork belly, with an accompanying glass of wine, not to mention the ever changing equally enticing range of cabinet food; whatever time of day you turn up Circus Circus guarantees a food extravaganza.

“One of our long-standing customers was here on the day the café opened 17 – 18 years ago and still comes here on a daily basis.”

Carrot cake to die for The Circus Circus carrot cake is perhaps one of the main reasons I keep going back. I have eaten a lot of carrot cake, but Circus Circus tops the list as one of the best. With a healthy serving of moist, nutty, melt in your mouth cake, topped by a creamy, perfectly tart cream cheese icing – its simply indescribably rich and satisfying.

Claim to fame • 2010 Best Café • Gold winner Café in the Entertainment • GuideEntertainment Guide’s Best family restaurant 5 years running (2008 – 2012).

A team that delivers It certainly helps that even in the midst of peak hour service, the staff are, more often than not, happy to help. I have, many a time, been on the receiving end of a personable and cheery greeting, whether I’ve been there for dinner or just for a coffee.

A personal savoury favourite is the panfried field mushrooms for breakfast – the more than adequate portion of mushrooms perfectly partnered with an underlay of mixed-grain toast, makes for a healthy-ish start to the morning.

Service Foods is proud to support Circus Circus Cafe Phone: 09 837 000 | Fax: 09 837 0013 17 Saleyards Road, Otahuhu

42 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Another plus for this gorgeous café, is its surrounds. Located in the picturesque Mt Eden village, parking is rarely an issue. With a gorgeous park just behind the café for the kids to play in, as well as the boutique shops in the area, going to Circus Circus provides the starting – or an end point – to a few hours of wandering in the wider arena.

For those wanting to celebrate a special occasion, Circus Circus has a range of rooms, be it small and intimate, or large and boisterous, the team at Circus Circus can provide.

Come one, come all to the Circus, it’s a fun little place to eat and drink to your heart’s content. A thriving café, come restaurant, it is open daily from dawn till well past dusk.

dry goods · frozen foods chilled foods · ethnic products Suppliers to Restaurants, Cafes, Hotels, Caterers, Fast Food Eateries, Retailers, Establishments and Distributors

Spacious surrounds

Providing high quality consumables to the New Zealand hospitality industry including toilet paper, food packaging and cleaning supplies.

Cell. 027 4350 838 Ph/Fax. 09 446 6288 PO Box 33 732, Takapuna, Auckland

Pleased to be associated with the Circus Circus Cafe

Hospitality | Circus Circus Café

Gypsy Tea Room & The Elbow Room

style

Sisters with

Gypsy Tea Room

When it comes to finding the right place to meet, greet, eat, drink and relax, ambiance is arguably everything. Add fine fare and you have the right recipe for pretty much any occasion you care to think of.

It’s an equation the Gypsy Tea Room, nestled in neighbourly hub of the West Lynn shops in Grey Lynn, has got absolutely right. Sitting quietly on the corner of Wilton Street and Richmond Road, it has become the favourite haunt of people from across a wide range of professions and backgrounds, all adding to the flavour.

A peek at the menu

The child inside

Brunch 6:30am – 11:30am

Candyfloss, popcorn and toffee apples

Bubble and Squeak Fried potatoes with bacon, peas and sautéed onions topped with Gruyere cheese and a poached egg Pan-fried field mushrooms In a creamy brandy sauce with bacon, served on toasted mixed grain bread.

Waffle With mixed berry compote, orange mascarpone and topped with a Belgium chocolate sauce

Lunch 11:30am – 4:40pm Baked crepes Filled with roast pumpkin, spinach and feta, then baked with a rich tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Open Steak Sandwhich Grilled sirloin steak served on toasted foccacia, cos lettuce, tomato and cucumber then finished with onion jam and blue cheese aioli.

A glimpse on Circus Circus’ website made the child in me squeal in excitement. Circus Circus, as well as its café and restaurant style service, has a unique quirky offering – a candy cart for hire.

It’s a unique candy floss and popcorn cart that Circus Circus commissioned to help it stand out from the crowd. Not only does it offer candy floss, popcorn and toffee apples, but this spectacular piece of equipment helps create a fun theme for any event. The candy floss can come in a range of colours to match any events colour scheme, making for an unforgettable addition to the party.

The cart can be hired with an experienced operator who ensures smooth running of the cart.

Tandoori chicken skewers Tandoori chicken with minted yoghurt and salad.

Dinner Grilled Salmon Fillet Salmon Fillet served on a lemon and leek risotto topped with a lemon and caper white wine sauce

• Carrot cake • Chocolate Cake • Kahlua Mousse Pot • Apple and blackberry crumble • Raspberry Crème Brulee

The smaller back room is available for groups up to 20 people and for larger groups [up to 50 people], the back room is set aside and the rest of the main bar and outside area is available in a coexistence arrangement with normal clientele.

Best of all, there is no charge for booking a function and food arrangements are flexible, including options from the bar snack menu, or you can make your own catering arrangements.

The Elbow Room

Beef skewers Beef skewers served with a barbeque sauce and salad.

Dessert

With its distinctive decor, friendly service and relaxed atmosphere, having a good time is all but guaranteed.

• Mixed Olives • Garlic Pizza Bread • Ciabatta w Dip, Oils, & Sea Salt • Chicken Liver Parfait w/ Crostini • Risotto Balls w/ Aioli • Cheese w/ Falwasser Crackers • Port Nicholson Cheddar w/ Quince Jelly • Aorangi Brie w/ Tamarillo Chutney • Kikorangi Blue w/ Honeycomb • Cheese Selection • Pepperoni & Margarita Pizzas

Gypsy Tea Room 455 Richmond Rd Grey Lynn Auckland 09 361 6970, E enquiries@gypsytearoom.co.nz www.gypsytearoom.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Bite-Sized

Lamb Shanks Slowly braised in a rich tomato, mushroom and red wine sauce and served on a creamy potato mash.

Speaking of flavour, a tasty bar snack menu is always available and accompanied by a well considered wine list, an interesting range of beers and a back bar of spirits and liqueurs to make your favourite drink or cocktail.

A menu to amuse your mouth…

As the Gypsy Tea Room’s sister business, The Elbow Room is equally imbued with an intoxicating combination of interior design, fine food, wicked wines and a diverse range of regulars.

And like the Gypsy, The Elbow Room is open seven nights, has a discerning wine list, a wide range of beers, a delicious cocktail selection and a varied back bar spirit offering – all accompanied by a tasty bar snack menu available at all times.

Settled into Jervois Rd, on the northern slopes of Herne Bay, the Elbow Room has become a local favourite. Discreet lighting highlights the old world charm of the bar and while it shares many of its sister funky attributes, The Elbow Room has its’ own distinct feel that suits the character and vibe of Herne Bay.

The Elbow Room 198 Jervois Road Herne Bay Auckland, (09) 376 2613 E enquiries@elbowroom.co.nz. www.elbowroom.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Hours 6:30 am – 11:00 pm 7 days a week Circus Circus Café 447 Mt Eden Road Auckland T (09) 623 3833 E circuscafe@xtra.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Pleased to be associated

with the Gypsy Tea Room

and The El bow Room

Proud to be associated with Circus Circus Cafe www.roastedaddqtion.co.nz

Kahurangi Estate is a family owned boutique vineyard and winery specialising in hand-made wines and dedicated to quality.

PO Box 1031, Nelson 03 5432 980 | www.kahurangiwine.com

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 43

Business Development | Auckland Airport Business Park The new Quad 5 development at Auckland Airport.

High

aspirations

The landscape on the approach to Auckland Precinct – occupied by current and Airport is rapidly changing. Terminal future international and domestic passenger terminal buildings along with services Once, where there was including hotels, parking building and rental green grassland, buildings car firms The Quad is described as the business heart are being constructed. of the airport business district, housing a wide mixture of amenities to service the Office blocks, hotels and wider airport. warehouses are all now dotted on the landscape – Quad 5 and with them has come In the new Quad developments is the new industry and a commercial building Quad 5. This four-storey office block which is due for completion in new vibrancy. the next few weeks, has been designed The comprehensive property development which has been undertaken is part of a commitment from Auckland Airport to raise its performance to “higher altitudes” by implementing new business initiatives. Using the land resource surrounding the airport to its full economic potential by increasing the number of properties available to lease is one of these initiatives.

The development follows a global drive to transform transport hubs into urban areas with businesses benefiting from higher economic activity that arises from being located close to an airport. The intention was to create an airport business district that would match the likes of Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul and Dubai airports.

Many businesses have already taken up the airport’s flexible options in this newly developed area and it is becoming an increasingly popular option for commercial businesses as they see the benefits of being located close to the airport while also remaining in close proximity to the Auckland central city – only 21km away.

The various areas have been named to differentiate their industry types and sectors.

Cargo North – suitable for businesses seeking larger footprint with close proximity to ground handling and customs services Cargo South - includes sites for new facilities and existing warehouses and office space The Common - recreational and heritage area Altitude – entertainment, retail and education precinct focussed on services to airport users, trade and airport workers The Landing – business park development with warehouse and logistics operations 44 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

by architecture firm Jasmax and is already home to a number of forward thinking businesses who have taken up the opportunity to locate to a thriving and high traffic volume area.

Auckland Airport will use some of the building for its own corporate requirements and space has also been earmarked for retail and a gym. Almost 850sqm is available on the ground floor plus the third and fourth floors are now leasing with 1,055sqm available on each floor. Competitive packages are available and there is flexibility in ensuring the space meets prospective business’s needs.

There are plenty of parking options available.

With this level of amenity you can feel good about locating your team in a 5-star greenrated building on the doorstep of one of the world’s top airports – the second largest in Australasia.

Quad 5 is situated on Leonard Issit Drive which is set to become the ‘high street’ of Auckland Airport. The drive will contain great coffee shops and inspiring spaces to unwind and relax. Attractive street furniture, New Zealand urban art and cobbled pavements will create a pedestrian friendly environment.

Neighbouring the Quad is the airport shopping centre, which contains a large supermarket and essential services, from a pharmacy and post shop to The Warehouse and outlet clothing.

There are plenty of leisure activities just around the corner including a golf course, driving range and, for the adventurous type, a high ropes course and for those with young ones, the nearby crèche provides the perfect solution.

On the move What Quad 5 offers: Massive exposure with 65,000 cars driving past daily Flexible options to suit your requirements Just 21km from the CBD A premier business park Excellent staff amenities including childcare, golf course and a shopping centre Exceptional transport links High level of security of power supply and fibre network

New gym to open Airport staff and visitors will have no excuse for not hitting the treadmill when Jetts Gym opens on Leonard Issit Drive.

The rapidly expanding gym operator already has 35 locations around the country and memberships are valid in all of them. They’re open 24/7 which makes Jetts a perfect addition to the airport precinct.

The airport gym will take up 330sqm on the ground floor of Quad5 where the new office for Auckland Airport corporate staff is under construction. Jetts plan to open by the end of July.

A leading worldwide manufacturer of load containment and protective packaging systems, ITW Industrial Packaging has joined Auckland Airport’s rapidly expanding Airport Business District.

The global manufacturing company, which has nearly 100 years of history and business units in over 51 countries, is set to move into its new premises in the Auckland Airport Business District early next year.

“We are delighted to welcome ITW Industrial Packaging to the Auckland Airport Business District,” says Auckland Airport general manager property Peter Alexander.

“We are seeing more and more businesses making the move to this area because of what it has on offer including high levels of security, an extensive range of amenities and proximity to the Auckland region, to New Zealand and to the world.”

ITW business manager Paul Vyer says the decision to relocate to the area was an easy one. “The Auckland Airport Business District ticked all the boxes for us. We are a travel rich business and this area is a rapidly developing location that provides great connectivity for our sales force to reach their local, national and international clients. The Auckland Airport Business District provides our business with a proximity and location second to none that will improve our operations and be more efficient.”

ITW’s relocation to the Auckland Airport Business District follows on from the recent move made by CEVA Logistics to the area. CEVA Logistics, an international freight and logistics company, will move into its new premises at the Auckland Airport Business District in June this year.

“International and local businesses alike are attracted to the district because of the multi-faceted benefits we have on offer here,” says Mr Alexander.

“Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s largest transport hub and the connectivity that this provides, on top of ever increasing amenities and high security, is a key reason why we are experiencing such growth within the Auckland Airport Business District.”

Business Development | Auckland Airport Business Park

Raising the bar

Auckland Airport’s long term goals and strategies are expected to boost international visitor numbers by just under a million people and generate potential growth of $8.5 billion in the next eight years.

The Auckland Airport Ambition 2020 plan, sketches out strategies which, if applied, will ensure growth in New Zealand visitor arrivals and visitor spend. It also offers a looking glass sight into potential tourism trends.

Auckland Airport believes there is potential to grow international visitor arrivals to more than 3.5 million by 2020, up from 2.6 million in 2011 – generating potential growth of $8.5 billion.

The report outlines strategic activities, such as opening more direct and sustainable air services, attracting higher-spending market segments, creating more alliances and business networks in-market, increasing industry readiness for new markets, having favourable policy conditions and encouraging longer stays, will increase not only the number of airlines but visitors to this country.

“At Auckland Airport we have set ourselves some ambitious targets to grow international visitor volumes and capture more value. We intend to do this by working with our airline customers to attract more flights, preferably direct, on more routes from key source travel markets around the world, and by working with the industry to attract a more valuable mix of visitor segments,” Auckland Airport chief executive Simon Moutter says.

“This accelerated growth in value is not only good for our business, it is crucial to the entire tourism and trade sector and the New Zealand

economy. Ambition 2020 is our contribution to elevate the understanding of where growth in visitors will most likely come from and what initiatives we need to put in place or have more of to maximise their value as tourists.”

By 2020 the tourism world was destined to be a very different place with Asia being the biggest market of all. “The New Zealand industry will likely be very different by 2020 as well, reflecting the significant global market shifts. If New Zealand wants to realise the growth potential on offer, we believe we need to collectively target the key growth markets and in particular the higher value visitor segments in each of those markets.”

Asia, especially China, is expected to provide the largest growth potential both in visitor arrivals and in the amount spent while visiting. Auckland Airport aeronautical commercial general manager Glenn Wedlock says the Chinese market had potential to develop from about 160,000 visitors today to more than 430,000 by 2020.

“While this is a smaller part of our market today, it is important we grow that end of the market at a faster rate to deliver more value to the airlines and the industry. We believe that direct flight visitors can grow from 50,000 today to 170,000 by 2020, greatly increasing our longer stay and FIT (fully independent traveller) visitors. To achieve these results and to achieve other ambitious trade targets outlined by the Government, we will need to see air services between New Zealand and China reach around three times the number of direct flights today.”

Auckland Airport growth initiatives already in place:

The main contributing markets to the Auckland Airport plan value target of $8.5b are; Asia (potentially worth $2.9b with China contributing $1.5b-plus, followed by Korea at $330m and Japan $300m); Australia ($2.35b), North America ($800m), United Kingdom ($690m) and Germany ($290m).

• Organising the Auckland Airport International Speaker Series at Trenz

Auckland Airport www.aucklandairport.co.nz

• Running Asia-specific training workshops for the industry • Developing luxury New Zealand programmes – trade development and bespoke websites • Spearheading social media programmes inmarket connected to the trade and saleable NZ premium products and itineraries • Celebrity ambassadors such as Dong Xuan from China who recently toured and promoted New Zealand

• Brining additional buyers to TRENZ • Establishing joint venture promotions with tourism partners • Developing increased air services such as Garuda Airlines, Emirates, China Southern Airline, expansion of Air New Zealand in Japan and opening of new services to Bali and the Sunshine Coast.

• Auckland International Airport Limited was formed in 1988, when the New Zealand Government corporatised the management of Auckland International Airport. In 1998, the Government sold down its shareholding, and Auckland Airport became the fifth airport company in the world to be publicly listed.

• Auckland Airport generates billions of dollars for the economy, creating thousands of jobs and making a vital contribution to New Zealand trade and tourism by strengthening connections with the world.

• More than 70 percent of visitors enter or leave New Zealand via Auckland Airport, which handles more than 13 million international and domestic passengers each year.

• It was voted eighth best airport worldwide by 11.38 million travellers – up from ninth the previous year. It was also named best airport in Australia Pacific for the third year running.

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 45

Business Development | Auckland Airport Business Park

Scarbro Construction Scarbro Construction was established in 1996 by three experienced construction personnel, Garry Scarborough, Peter de Nys and Paul Scarborough – they were joined shortly after by Peter Davis.

The company now celebrates a track record of successful projects ranging from commercial buildings to interior fit-outs, residential buildings to large scale concrete and apartment buildings.

Among the latest of these are two prominent projects at Auckland Airport – the Formule 1 Hotel and Quad 5 where Scarbro Construction was the main contractor.

Scarbro were selected during an open tender process and were the obvious construction company for the Quad 5 project after successfully completing the 125-room Formule 1 Hotel – located right next door.

The Quad 5 development is a four-storey, 4800sqm office block and has some distinctive design characteristics including curtain walling, a green wall trellis system, hub ribbon wall and a 5-star Green Star design. Earthworks commenced in May 2011 and the project is due for completion in July 2012.

Scarbro Construction has a commercial building pedigree second to none. When looking around the vista of Auckland, you cannot go past buildings the company has

46 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

constructed. Scarbro was the main contractor on the NZI Building in Auckland City, numerous apartment buildings and Q4 on the Boulevard at Smales Farm.

Scarbro Construction Contracts Manager Ross Duxfield says it is the enthusiasm within the company that sets it apart from the others.

“We are passionate about the building we are working on and very much hands on. We don’t just talk quality, we deliver it.”

Scarbro believes in a philosophy of employing its own workforce as opposed to contract staff, and today the company has an experienced team of more than 50 permanent staff with many of its original employees still with the business today.

Scarbro Construction is a preferred supplier today for many developers and property owners with whom the company has formed strong and lasting relationships.

The company believes its success is owned to its goal of fulfilling customer expectation through teamwork, co-operation and removing the atmosphere of confrontation.

The company’s focus for the immediate future is to:

“To be successful we must first understand the expectations of our clients, we recognise that substantial investments are being made, we are therefore committed to delivering projects that exceed all initial aspects of our customer’s expectation,” Garry Scarborough says.

Secure a mixture of both large and small projects in various areas of the industry so it is not seen as a specialist in one corner of the industry and to maximise the varying skills of its team.

Expand its client base with the likes of ‘blue chip’ companies, local authorities and growth areas such as education and retirement

facilities with clients the company can build long-term construction strategies.

Continue to deliver all projects successfully to its clients with their time, cost and quality objectives clearly met.

Scarbro Construction 3 Dryden Place Ellerslie Auckland T (09) 580 2554 F (09) 579 4271 E scl.admin@scarbro.co.nz www.scarbro.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Industrial leasing focus As featured in Bayleys latest Industrial Leasing Focus magazine, call 0800 Bayleys for your free copy or view online at www.bayleys.co.nz

Brand New High Stud Industrial Units, Auckland Airport

Brand New High Stud Industrial Development

Flex Development, Percival Place, Auckland Airport

Corner Landing & Airpark Drive, Auckland Airport

Up to 10 units designed specially to serve as incubators for fledgling businesses to acquire cost-effective, high quality warehousing with the flexibility to vary their floorspace (within reason) to cater to their business's needs.

With full drive-around and drive through options, well planned on site traffic flow and adequate canopies, this is amongst the best industrial complexes anywhere in the country.

Excellent office to warehouse ratio also enables the highest optimisation of your rental dollar.

Key Features

Rare opportunity

Key Features

• Well designed for the ultimate in operations efficiency

This is an exceptional new building (available September 2012) to serve a mid sizedcompany looking to leverage its way to a position of strength in its market segment.

• Designed for utmost warehousing operations efficiency

• Within minutes of Auckland Airport/customs/ MAF and area amenities, and State Highway networks • Large operations yard • High security • Just one minute from the Airport • Expected completion November 2012

convenient staff carpark segregated from heavy vehicle traffic.

Available to lease Office

This new standalone high stud warehouse comes complete with a North East facing yard covered with a large canopy to permit year round all-weather operations, and expansion room for a stage 2 development when needed.

The well positioned office also offers good visibility into the yard area for operations management and a

from 72m2

Warehouse 720m2 or 1230m2 or any reasonable combination thereof

• Within minutes of Auckland Airport, Customs/MAF and area amenities, and State Highway network • High security location

Available to lease Office

320m2

Canopy

464m2

Warehouse

3,000m2

Expansion

1,000m2

Logistics/Distribution

Excellent Warehouse with Drive-around Potential

3 Timberly Road, Westney Industry Park, Auckland

86 Ascot Avenue, Airport Oaks, Auckland

This excellent Distribution Centre is neighboured by APV (Air NZ), Cadbury, DHL, Daniel Silva, Fliway, Linfox, Mainfreight, Supply Chain Solutions, etc, in a large industrial estate east of George Bolt Dr. Be it configuration or orientation, this is one of the best warehouses in its size you could inspect.

Key Features • Single level offices, excellent canopy away from prevailing winds • Fully sprinklered warehouse with a section of sprinklered canopy • 10.3m Warehouse stud at knee

Available to lease

This highly functional warehouse has been built to high standards and represents excellent value to businesses wishing to secure an exceptional location within the Airport precinct.

The offices in the building represent an excellent office to warehouse ratio and have useful views into the warehouse operations inside.

The office outlook also benefits from the well maintained rural landscape just across the road.

The warehouse is a clearspan high stud workhorse with multiple roller doors, ample yard space and a good sized canopy.

Key Features • Close proximity to Auckland International Airport • Corner site with potential dual access • Within minutes to State Highway networks in all directions • Large land parcel 7,956m²

Available to lease Office

268m2

Canopy

516m2

4,150m2

Warehouse

3,234m2

120m2

Low Stud Warehouse

302m2

Office

516m2

Canopy

668m2

Warehouse Mezzanine

Custom built options also available, along with varying sized existing buildings or land for sale.

www.bayleys.co.nz

Jamsheed Sidhwa

Luke Carran

B 09 273 6666 M 021 55 45 57 jamsheed.sidhwa@bayleys.co.nz

B 09 273 6666 M 021292 6907 luke.carran@bayleys.co.nz

Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Manukau, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Manukau, Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Property & Construction | Cowperthwaite Roofing Cowperthwaite Roofing is now offering a Roof Warrant of Fitness on all roofs.

Heads up Does your roof have a warrant of fitness?

Roofing products to match the customer’s precise needs Managing director Richard Andrew has owned Cowperthwaite Roofing for four years, and confirms that refurbishment is an important part of their business. Because the budget and style requirements of every customer are

Comlete Range of Waterproofing Products

different, there are a wide range of products available, with profiles, finishes and colours to suit any project.

“About 70 percent of our workload is residential and a major part of this is the refurbishment or re-roofing of older properties,” he says. In fact, Andrew says his team carries out 250 residential re-roofs a year, primarily within the greater Auckland area, but also as far afield as the Pacific Islands.

Forward thinking customer service Cowperthwaite Roofing is proud to announce a brand new initiative: the Cowperthwaite Roof Warrant of Fitness (RWoF).

A thorough inspection of the roof is carried out by the company’s environmental and technical specialists, and customers are advised about the current integrity of the roof and how best to maintain it and prolong its life. A schedule of regular maintenance can then be devised.

“Our RWoFs have been designed to be of benefit to all building owners and managers,” Andrew says. “The aim is to highlight potential issues before they become a major concern. Whether it’s your own home, an apartment that you rent out or your commercial industrial unit, these inspections could save you a huge amount of money and misery.”

“

Much of our work, both commercial and residential, comes through personal recommendations or repeat business. We’ve worked hard to earn an excellent reputation, and professionalism and customer service remain our core values.

”

- Managing director Richard Andrew

Furthermore, a long-term maintenance plan is now required under the new Unit Titles Act, so a Cowperthwaite RWoF helps body corporates fulfil their legal obligations too. There are presently about 30 staff and contractors on its books, and all of them share this commitment to customer care.

BRANZ Appraised Products Up to 20 Year Warranties 100% New Zealand Owned Torch on Membrane

epiROOF

EPDM Membrane

ecoTUFF

TPO Membrane

dekMASTER

PVC Decking Membrane

Cowperthwaite Roofing at a glance: Cowperthwaite has been the trusted name in roofing since 1906.

Cowperthwaite Roofing carries out all types of metal roofing projects, from minor repairs to new build for both residential and commercial clients.

Whatever your personal taste or project budget, Cowperthwaite Roofing has the right materials to suit your exact requirements.

Cowperthwaite Roofing has a brand new initiative - a RWoF designed to save customers money and stress, and of particular relevance to body corporates seeking to fulfil their legal obligations under the new Unit Titles Act.

Euroline – the best of both worlds Cowperthwaite Roofing is Auckland’s only licensed installer of Euroline, standingseam roofing that combines traditional European elegance with modern durability.

Euroline is available in three graceful styles – BattenLok, SeamLok and DoubleLok – and in steel, aluminium, copper or zinc.

Nationwide Network of Fully Trained Applicators

bituFLAME

Cowperthwaite Roofing specialises in reroofing and refurbishing roofs on old building

<

Auckland based Cowperthwaite Roofing Limited has been putting roofs on homes and businesses for more than 100 years. The company was founded in 1906, and ever since then the Cowperthwaite name has stood for reliability, quality and service.

INSURANCE BROKERS - CONSULTANTS

For residential and commercial projects where sophistication and panache are absolutely essential, Euroline is the natural choice.

duroMEMBRANES Liquid Membrane Range bituBOND

Peel & Stick Tanking Membrane

rawMAT

Bentonite Tanking

Auckland, 27/761 Great South Road, Penrose Christchurch, 376a Wilsons Road, Waltham Wellington, 38 Victoria Street, Petone 0508 2 WATERPROOF

www.waterproofing.co.nz

48 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Providing Insurance Cover & Advice to

Cowperthwaite Roofing 6 Westward Ho Rd, Glen Eden • Phone: 09-818 4247 • Fax: 09-818 8677 • broker@primesure.co.nz

Cowperthwaite Roofing Ltd Private Bag 92835 Penrose Auckland 1642 T (09) 525 3095 F (09) 525 3284 E enquiry@cowperthwaites.co.nz www.cowperthwaites.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Property & Construction | Kensington Park Kensington Park is New Zealand’s leading example of a genuinely master-planned residential neighbourhood.

Play on the beach,

Relax in the park

For originality, class and sheer style, Kensington Park at Orewa Beach is enthralling, inside and out.

Kensington Park is New Zealand’s leading example of a genuinely master-planned residential neighbourhood, reflecting the best ideas gleaned from a worldwide search for inspiration, and has even garnered international recognition.

Nestled on the Hibiscus Coast, just 25 minutes north of Auckland and a short stroll to Orewa Beach, the master-planned community is a complete living environment that combines the traditions of a neighbourhood lifestyle with the innovations of new urban design.

It’s a concept that’s been in use for decades in America and Europe, where some of the most successful developments follow this model.

This concept, the first of its kind in New Zealand, is meeting favour with buyers who are usually like-minded home owners. They are looking for an attractive easy-care lifestyle in a quality environment, offering the benefits of luxury leisure facilities and fully landscaped grounds without the need to maintain a large section. Freehold titles (including the unit titles) are also a significant attraction to home buyers, giving future investment advantages.

Kensington Park features a gymnasium, heated pool, sauna, petanque and a shared vegetable garden for residents to enjoy.

Elegant, up-market homes The homes in Kensington Park are designed to reflect both traditional and new values, set within a mature landscaped environment.

“This is not a gated community, but it gives the impression of one, with a unique clock tower at the park entrance giving a sense of arrival and a high level of security with a community feel,” says marketing manager Helen Wreaks.

Every element of Kensington Park has been orchestrated, from the streetscapes and landscaping to the architecture. “Although each home is different from its neighbour, homes are part of the same design concept, with a relaxed beach-like feel,” she says.

Award-winning residential development Kensington Park has gained international recognition, winning in the 2012 International Property Awards for Best Architecture, and Best Overall Development, as well as winning an award at the recent Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Awards in the Urban Land Development section.

“We placed the homes to retain the mature native trees including a stand of 21 majestic ancient Puriri trees.”

Kensington Park features a range of homes to suit everyone, from one, two, three, and fourbedroom houses with studies, ensuites and private gardens through to stylish apartments with immense balconies and internal lift access.

Dormer windows, slatted balustrades and plantation shutters set the scene, while oversized balconies and courtyards capture an abundance of light. Decks overlook public places, to allow residents to observe street life - a feature that is designed to improve security and a sense of community.

Living in comfort and ease All homes at Kensington Park are lowmaintenance but quality-driven and designed for a lifestyle that enables home owners to enjoy the benefits of the extensive landscape plan.

Energy efficient considerations are incorporated into every aspect of the building process. From the way the streets are designed to the type of material on the bench-tops, the principles of sustainability, durability and community are taken into account.

Where possible, homes are insulated to higher than normal standards in the floors, walls and ceilings.

Every element of Kensington Park has been orchestrated, from the streetscapes and landscaping to the architecture.

“We’re creating a harmonious community utilising a combination of inspirational and innovative architecture in a desirable and unique location - a place you will feel proud to call home,” says Helen.

For further information contact Helen Wreaks: 021 420 313

The buildings are oriented for maximum energy efficiency, and incorporate features such as low-energy heat pumps, ecolighting, induction cookers and doubleglazed windows.

Homes are also equipped with the latest highly efficient fibre-optic cabling, which delivers telephone, television and speedy internet service. Swipe cards are used for the pool complex to ensure access is controlled. A comprehensive neighbourhood maintenance program safeguards the quality of the neighbourhood and protects your investment.

In 2007 the first residents moved in to Kensington Park, which is now home to over 200 people of varying ages.

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 49

Property & Construction | Framecad

Steel frame solutions The Framecad story Occasionally, one finds a successful New Zealand company that is more recognised internationally than locally, and in the case of Framecad Limited, an outstanding international reputation has eventuated more by design, than chance.

CEO Mark Taylor has steered the business to a globally renowned position and the company is now considered a world leader in the roll formed steel frame and construction market.

“Our technology enables us to transform high strength steel into accurate and robust structures. Steel is a great building material as its 100 percent recyclable and potentially the steel from three crushed cars could form the frames and trusses of a modern 185m2 three bedroom home.

“Steel frames and trusses are a sustainable and responsible choice for modern construction and when you consider the outstanding performance steel offers in an earthquake and its termite and borer proof, then new home owners now have a green and safe product to choose from,” he says.

Framecad distributes products and services via branches in Dubai, Hong Kong, Dallas and Melbourne. After the unfortunate events in Christchurch, Framecad is combining its experience with rapid construction methods to help the rebuild.

“We kicked off our Framecad Southern Frame Factory in Christchurch in early 2011 and quickly built 50 homes for accommodation relief. Currently we have a factory based in Sockburn, Christchurch and we have frames running out to sites all over the South Island.”

Framecad understands the importance of quality training and skills development within the industry and is helping with training courses at the Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec.

These sessions give apprentices, designers and construction managers an introduction to the key aspects of light gauge steel framing.

“BRANZ [company providing resources for the building idustry] recently launched its Building Basics for Steel framing Guide and combined with the NASH (National Association for Steel Frame Homes) 3405 Standard designers and builders now have an excellent platform to work from.”

Framecad believes in its “improving lives now” mantra and hence has a genuine passion and focus to provide solutions to the ever growing global housing shortage. The company believes “a secure, healthy and affordable family home is fundamental to the success of any community”. Framecad can tick all those boxes, and additionally has the ability to construct new buildings with incredible speed and sustainability.

• Electrical installation for the manufacturing industry offering turn key solutions • Thermographic inspections of

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50 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Cost Effective and Quick to Build With Framecad’s accurate steel frame system, construction is quick and simple allowing lowcost, low-skilled labour to be used with high quality results.

Strong and Design-Flexible Steel offers architectural and design flexibility due to its inherent strength. This allows large span distances and curves to be easily incorporated into designs.

Durable and Safe Steel frames won’t ignite, burn, rust or get eaten by pests therefore making them highly desirable in all environmental conditions.

Steel also doesn’t need to be treated with pesticides, preservatives or glues making it safer for handling and living or working around.

Steel Frame Production and Construction Steel framed buildings, manufactured using Framecad’s System, can be produced very quickly and constructed using modular, prefab, build-on-site or transportable methods enabling construction flexibility for lower overheads, quicker manufacturing and improved profitability.

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Why steel?

Environmentally Friendly Steel delivers a number of unique environmental benefits such as product longevity, 100 percent recyclability, easy transportation and less raw material wastage.

Fire Resistant

Fast Framecad facts • Established in 1987 • Started trading building products and supplying roll forming equipment • Recognised the strengths of steel framing for building • Now a world leader in steel frame solutions • Residential and commercial applications • Is focused on its clients in order to understand their wants and needs • Is flexible and able to adapt quickly to those changing needs • Always works on a continuous improvement principle • Is at the forefront of technology to provide the best solutions for clients • Award winning, including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Deloitte growth award.

Severe bush fire test at over 1000 deg C endorses steel framed housing.

Earthquake Tested Structural integrity of steel framed houses tested in full-scale simulations resulting in positive outcome.

Framecad has a stand in the Auckland Home Ideas Centre where you can get up close and personal with its light steel frames.

Property & Construction | Framecad

Building better with steel In 2008, NZBuilt commissioned Podoko to manufacture steel framing for two luxury ecohomes in the Auckland suburb of St Heliers. Paul Belcher’s mission with the project was to, “show a green build and how to do it. There are not many architects designing green houses, so we wanted to create an example of what could be done”.

The two new homes, in one of Auckland’s most desirable suburbs, represent the luxury end of green building. Highly energy efficient

and carefully resourced, the premium homes utilise Framecad steel framing because it’s durable, recyclable and stays straight.

About NZBuilt: Owned and managed by Paul Belcher, NZBuilt is an award-winning residential construction business based in Auckland, New Zealand. The company is committed to green building and is currently a member of the New Zealand Green Building Council.

About Podoko: Based in Manukau City, Auckland, New Zealand Podoko is a steel frame manufacturer that supplies building companies, as well as making its own range of transportable cottages and sleepouts.

Owned and operated by Glen Tasker, Podoko uses the latest Framecad technology.

Delivering a simple solution Paul Belcher elected to base the homes on steel framing because he believes it’s the most ecofriendly framing system available.

“It’s lightweight and fully recyclable, and you can get greater spans than with timber,” he says.

poor experience with steel framing happened because the frames he was supplied with had been very poorly detailed”. In contrast, the detailing software developed by Framecad is recognised worldwide as the best in that Framecad Detailer talks directly to the machine equipment to produce framing that is accurate and very quick to assemble.

For Paul, it was something of a leap of faith to use Podoko and the Framecad system. “We had tried steel framing with another company four years ago and it didn’t go well, however I was still open to the idea that steel was a good product. Glen came across as a great operator.”

In addition to the eco-friendliness of steel framing, Paul was keen on the rigidity of steel framing. “We had some particularly long rafters in these houses and I was worried about deflection. Initially I was only going to use steel framing for the rafters, to ensure a really straight ceiling, but after talking to Glen I chose to use steel for all the framing”.

Glen Tasker of Podoko used Framecad Detailer to create detailed steel framing plans for the two houses, then proceeded to manufacture the frames. “Paul’s previous

Proud to support FRAMECAD on their 25 Year Anniversary We pride ourselves on our client satisfaction & quality products.

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The benefits of steel • The benchmark against which all other materials are compared • Strong both in compression and tension • Is sustainable in every sense of the word • Can be shop fabricated for enhanced productivity and high tolerances • Can optimise cost and schedule by integrating the design and construction process • Is easily erected allowing for straight forward integration with other building systems • Allows for the acceleration of project schedules • Can easily handle future field modifications to adapt to changing building requirements • Is cost effective • Drives improved industry productivity • Is aesthetically pleasing • Allows for ease of design, yet is able to handle innovative design approaches.

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 51

Property & Construction | Framecad

Why people choose Framecad Framecad is the world’s most advanced steel frame design and build solution. A world leader in delivering end-to-end factory enablement for cold formed steel construction solutions. Steel frame design, manufacturing and building operations are supported by a global team of consultants and technicians with factory planning, installation, training, factory management and onsite construction assistance.

It’s been a successful strategy, with the company being awarded as a finalist of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Services) award and earning a Deloitte Fast 50 business growth awards. To better service its global clientele, Framecad has set up manufacturing in Taiwan and Korea, with distribution in Africa and Eastern Europe and offices in the USA, Australia and Dubai.

Through these distribution networks the Framecad system: • Can quickly and easily manufacture profitable, quality steel framed houses, villas, government housing and steel trusses

• Manufacture profitable steel framed, low-rise, commercial buildings and highly repeatable modular, prefab or transportable buildings • Effortlessly manufacture highly repeatable and profitable steel framed sheds, warehouses and garages, built either onsite, modular, prefab or transportable • You can optimise profitability with Framecad’s revolutionary, steel framing business solution – intuitive software, reliable rollformers, quality building products, and best in class operational training and steel framing business advice • Source your entire steel frame building products from the one company: steel, fasteners and tooling, cladding and lining, roofing, flooring and insulation • Better manage your steel framing business for profit optimisation, machine and software training, factory, manufacturing and assembly efficiency.

Kiwi technology and ingenuity For the several years, offshore manufacturing has reached a peak level as local companies have turned to China and other emerging countries for their manufacturing needs. For many cost-focused companies, this is still the case.

However, there are still companies like Framecad which have based their decisions on more than just cost and staying local is important to the company. “High-tech manufacturing is still very much alive in New Zealand,” Framecad CEO Mark Taylor says.

“There are companies like Framecad who are manufacturing sophisticated equipment, to a similar standard to what Germany is producing, from a base in Auckland and it’s being driven by the ongoing technological work that’s going on here.”

The ongoing support from Auckland University and the Ministry of Science and Innovation has enabled world leading research and development to take place in Auckland, he

52 July/August 2012 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

says. As a result of Framecad’s manufacturing activities in Auckland, there are many upstream jobs created with the manufacturers of sub componentry.

Pyramid Engineering in Silverdale were looking to reduce their staff hours when Framecad began using the company as a key supplier. “On the same day they announced to staff they were having to reduce staff hours, they had to call them back to say, in actual fact, there was going to be significant overtime needed. Effectively 25 percent of their staff are employed for Framecad work.

“We’re looking to do everything we can to help the New Zealand economy and at this stage New Zealand needs more role model companies who are supporting the local community rather than moving offshore.”

It takes good business expertise combined with technology focused local manufacturers, Taylor says. “We’re very appreciative of the support of our local sub component manufacturers. Their continued emphasis on quality and speed of service helps us maintain our global competitiveness even though we are a long way from our markets.”

Property & Construction | Framecad

Earthquake resistant Framecad is also helping support the adoption of stronger and safer forms of housing in New Zealand and has set up factories in Christchurch, Auckland and Tauranga to provide quality nationwide services to the New Zealand market.

“As soon as the earthquakes struck in Christchurch, Framecad immediately offered the government one of its Framecad mobile factories and this was subsequently used to build some of the relief housing for city.”

As part of Framecad’s commitment to the local market, this year it set up a factory to assist with the rebuild of Christchurch and has helped significantly with the steel frame association (NASH) to create first class construction standards for the industry in New Zealand.

Framecad’s commitment to the local housing market extends well beyond its business. The company wants to ensure the quality of the New Zealand housing market, particularly considering the earthquakes in Christchurch and the problems associated with leaky buildings.

“One of the key things revealed in the Christchurch earthquakes is the buildings with steel framing came through exceptionally well, due both to the inherent strength of

a steel frame building and reasonably low mass,” Mark says.

“This is the perfect combination for earthquake safety; typically to make any building stronger for earthquakes, add more steel.”

But he’s not the only one talking about the benefits of steel. Early this year a conference was held to about seismic resilience in the design of new buildings. Minister of Building and Construction, Maurice Williamson expressed confidence in New Zealand’s structural steel industry as he opened the conference.

Forum organiser Alistair Fussell of Steel Construction New Zealand also touted the substrate’s seismic resilience. “The design and construction of Christchurch’s new buildings and infrastructure will be heavily influenced by seismic considerations. What the event aimed to demonstrate was that structural steel buildings can withstand even major earthquakes, offer commercial advantages precision, lightness and dynamism, therefore over alternative options and are architecturally make it a good option.” attractive,” Fussell says.

BRANZ has also been involved in touting the Richard McGowan of architects Warren and properties of steel. “They have been working Mahoney presented the past, present and on the education and awareness of steel future of Christchurch architecture. “Our much- framing. This includes the new steel framing loved heritage buildings were designed with handbook and informative nationwide substance in mind,” McGowan says. education series by BRANZ,” Taylor explains.

programme is doctor Darren Bell, who leads the research and development unit for the earthquake work at Framecad’s Auckland facility.

The company also runs its own test facilities at the Auckland plant, which is located alongside the East Tamaki campus of Auckland University. “We aim to work with both Auckland University and the building authorities to develop more secure and reliable steel frame buildings nationwide.”

“Given the need for seismic resilient buildings, Framecad is involved with developing special it’s likely we will see new designs which sit software to help build steel frame buildings lightly on the land. Steel’s qualities, including and one of the key contributors to this

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Property & Construction | Framecad

Building better business relationships Like most success stories, Framecad’s is one of team effort.

The company works with a strong and loyal band of suppliers which ensure the even supply of the company’s globally famed products.

One such organisation is Soanar, which formed an alliance based on mutual respect and the basis of strong, complimentary products, according to Soanar account manager Jimmy Mehta.

“We offer them power and display solutions.

We understand our customers’ needs and so we are able to cater for that through our best solutions.

“They have trust in us and we have trust in them.”

Soanar supplies power and display solutions for the machinery Framecad designs for manufacturing of framing and trusses for a wide range of residential and multi storey structures.

“They are a really great organisation of people to work with. The main aim for any business is to prosper and with Framecad and Soanar working together, we are able to achieve great things.

“It’s a win-win situation for both.”

Since year 2000, Soanar has had two offices in New Zealand supporting local companies, which makes the Auckland based Framecad a good fit. Soanar provides ongoing technical support. “We are always just a phone call away and ensure we provide our customers with the highest level of backup support,” Mehta explains.

Another strong relationship is the one with aformentioned Pyramid Engineering; CEO Les Osbourne called a staff meeting informing staff they would have to reduce their hours; Framecad contacted the company, asking them to be a key supplier.

Osbourne then got to tell staff that they would in actual fact have significant overtime available to them. Effectively 25 percent of their staff are employed for Framecad work and the companies enjoy a strong relationship. “We enjoy a strong partnership relationship with Framecad,” Osbourne explains.

“In developing products to the same standard as you would expect from Europe, Framecad designs and specifies a very high quality electrical components and control systems.

To be able to do this we are thankful for the support we receive from companies like Soanar.”

Mark Tayklor says Marketing the Framecad brand is a great challenge and “by working with Fuse Creative we’ve created world class marketing and brand implementation to a standard as high as any of our international competitors”.

Being so far away from its supply base, Framecad relies on Aspire Travel Group to

get them to their customers. “One of the challenges of working from New Zealand is the remoteness from our markets. This has required staff who are dedicated and prepared to travel along with support from travel professionals like the Aspire Group to make this happen as seamlessly as possible, often at inconvenient times.”

Pink Batts is a strong part of the equation.

“A key part of Framecad’s objectives is to keep developing sustainable design and build techniques and we have worked with Pink Batts to design and supply their products into green designed buildings.

“We work very much hand in glove. We go out of our way to give them the best service, the best price and the best quality we can.

It’s important to us that everything looks right, that the finish is impeccable, that it is a good looking product when it gets to the market. That’s paramount to the success of the product. Mark and his team are just really great guys to work with.

“We look forward to the same strong relationship going forward.

Opening up emerging markets

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Often companies Framecad is working with do not have established factories in remote locations.

Framecad has designed and developed mobile factories, dubbed “the factory in a can” as it fits completely inside a 40 foot Framecad branded container and with the assistance of Royal Wolf Shipping Containers, this Framecad solution enables customers to be in production the same day the container factory arrives on site.

“Due to the difficult conditions these are operating in, they are self-sufficient with their own power generator and air conditioning.

These plants have been set up everywhere

from outback of Australia to Afghanistan, enabling local communities to be serviced and utilising local labour as much as is practical.”

“Getting into emerging markets, Framecad is always dealing with logistical challenges, more involved than typical Kiwi exporters.

To achieve timely delivery for our customers we have engaged Kalgin International to overcome logistical challenges.”

“In order to manage sustained growth, Framecad has had to develop its enterprise systems. It has achieved an award for one of the best implementations of SAP the globally renowned German software corporation).

“Real Tech has provided great ongoing support in making sure we can grow the business globally,” Taylor says.

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Property & Construction | Framecad

Frequently asked questions Framecad has developed a reputation for being as strong and resilient as the product it supplies to a global market. It is gaining popularity based on a number of design specs that make it superior, both in strength and usability.

So to help you decide for yourself, resident steel “guru” and certified engineer, Nader R. Elhajj gives us the low down on some of the frequently asked questions.

while hot rolled steel can be manufactured to any desired thickness.

CFS shapes are different than hot rolled shapes and endless geometrical shapes can be produced. CFS is manufactured at room temperature while hot rolled steel is made 1. What are the applications of cold-formed at elevated temperatures. CFS lightweight steel (CFS)? makes it easier and more economical to massCold Formed Steel shapes can be used for produce, transport and install. roof systems, floor systems, wall systems, In the design of hot-rolled steel shapes, the roof panels, decks, or the entire buildings. primarily concern is column buckling and They can also be used as individual framing lateral buckling of unbraced beams. The members such as studs, joists, headers, and dimensions of hot-rolled shapes are such that truss members. local buckling of individual elements generally will not occur before yielding.

Cold Formed Steel members can also serve as both primary structures and secondary In the case of CFS local buckling must also structures. An example of the Cold Formed be considered because, in most cases, the Steel used as primary structures is the material used is thin relative to its width.

FRAMECAD webbed trusses. Steel studs can This means that the individual flat, or plate, also act as secondary structures by providing elements of the section often have width to lateral support to exterior wall finish since thickness ratios that will permit buckling at they rely on the primary structure for support. stresses well below the yield point.

2. What is the difference between hotrolled steel and cold-formed steel?

There are many differences between the two materials: Cold-formed steel (CFS) is typically limited to light thicknesses (up to 3.00 mm)

3. Which specification or code governs the design of cold-formed steel structures in different regions or countries?

There are many codes and specifications that govern the design of cold-formed steel

structures around the world. Each country has its own specification or relies on one of the internationally recognised specifications.

5. What is the maximum span for steel truss?

One of the biggest advantages of cold-formed steel is its high strength to weight ratio. This allows manufacturers and framers to fabricate long trusses with clear spans up to 25 meters.

The most widely used ones are: AISI S100 North American Specification for the Design of Cold Formed Steel Structural Members published by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) in the United States.

Steel trusses can be easily designed with clear spans up to 14 meters. Beyond that, a thicker material or boxed profile would be required along with specially designed connections.

(Note: In many areas, there are transportation limitations when truss span exceeds 15 meters). For long trusses, intermediate bearing supports can also be used to reduce the size and thickness of the truss members.

AS/NZS 4600 Australian/New Zealand Standard Cold Formed Steel Structures, jointly published by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand.

BS 5950-5 Structural use of Steelwork in Building - Part 5. A code of practice for design of cold formed thin gauge sections published

by BSI in the UK.

6. Are the same foundations and footings that are used when building in concrete suitable for construction with cold-formed steel?

Eurocode 3: Design of Steel Structures; Part 1.3: General rules, supplementary rules for cold-formed thin gauge members.

Several eight storey buildings have been constructed in the USA and Europe using coldformed steel framing. The first eight storey building in the USA built with steel framing was completed in 1999 in Seattle, Washington (a high seismic area).

Cold-formed steel is much lighter than concrete. It weighs approximately 5 psf (0.24 kPa) while concrete ranges from 30 to 70 psf (1.45 to 3.35 kPa). In most cases, using coldformed steel means the amount of concrete used in the foundations can be reduced. Your structural or foundation engineer should be made aware of the loads acting on the concrete so that the foundations can be designed accordingly.

Mid-rise buildings (5 or 6 levels) in coldformed steel are also very common and many have been built around the world in the past 20 years or so. From an engineering point of view, there is no limit on the number of storeys that can be built with cold-formed steel framing.

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4. How many stories can a cold-formed steel framed building go up to?

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Property & Construction | Glenbuild

Build it your way In the market for a dream home, but just can’t find the right one? Spent many a fruitless hour trawling through newspapers and online websites, followed by many more hours traipsing through open homes, only to come home empty handed?

Maybe it is time to change your tactic.

If a ready-made house is not the perfect fit for your needs or wants, there is another option - renovations or a brand-new home, the way you want it, from the ground up.

An Auckland-based building company, Glenbuild, has for almost two decades been a front-runner in the region’s building industry.

In 2009 it was awarded gold at the Registered Master Builders’ National “House of the Year” awards, for a home it built in One Tree Hill, and again in 2011 for a home it built in Pt Chevalier.

New residential properties are Glenbuild’s area of expertise, but its expertise is not limited to this alone. The company is also well-equipped and able to do home renovations and commercial contracts.

Building trust Glenbuild runs under the mantra of, “building a measure of trust”. Owner Finn Glengarry says it is his team’s commitment to each and every job and the calibre of workmanship the company does that enables success. “We run on honesty, integrity, we have good work ethic and a high level of workmanship.”

Glenbuild acknowledges no matter what you need built, whether it is a home, office, school, retirement village or even a garage, it is a huge investment of both time and money. Which is why Glenbuild promises to work in liaison with all its clients and make the process as transparent and as pain-free as possible.

Since Glenbuild is obviously a company which keeps its clients’ needs in mind, you can rest assured you will get the house of your dreams - without having to spend months hunting through the housing markets or having your husband botch a DIY job.

Finn says it is a collaborative process that involves a partnership between clients, architects and Glenbuild from conception to finish. “We strive to ensure that by the end of each job every client knows that they made the right choice by choosing Glenbuild.”

Quality guarantee Finn says the company ensures it’s performing at its best by “keeping up to date with the latest building trends and technologies”. He adds Glenbuild has, throughout the years, maintained apprenticeships, working closely with its apprentices to ensure they produce work of the best standard in line with the company’s reputation.

Glenbuild’s promise To give you peace of mind, Glenbuild promises to keep you up to date through the entire building process to ensure there are no hidden surprises.

Here is how: 1. It offers an open site policy This is your home – so you are free to come and check it out at any time.

2. It holds fortnightly or weekly meetings Glenbuild’s operations manager will hold fortnightly or weekly site meetings with you and the site foreman. This ensures you are informed of progress the entire time and any questions you have will be answered.

3. It promises to maintain good communication

Glenbuild promises to arrange follow up meetings with correspondence to make sure both parties are clear about what is going on.

4. It promises to keep you informed about your timeline

Business foundations Glenbuild started as a partnership in 1994, between a father-and-son team; Rob and Finn Glengarry. Today it has grown into an award winning business, with a team of people “who take a huge amount of pride in creating workplaces, learning environments and homes,” that people want to be in.

In 2011 Finn took over the family business and continues to build upon the already stable foundations of the business.

The company promises to create and maintain a unique timeline for your job so you can see at any point in time when things are programmed for; including a completion date.

5. It has an open book policy on charge up jobs Glenbuild prides itself on being a very open and honest company. It sets a charge up rate and margin percentage at the beginning of the job and you will receive a copy of every supplier and subcontractor invoice you are being charged.

6. It produces only the highest quality work All Glenbuild workers follow its 718 point quality assurance checks, so you can be confident that there will be no surprises with the quality of its workmanship.

7. It uses only reliable, quality subcontractors

Glenbuild has been building and renovating since 1994 and in that time it has built up relationships with some expert subcontractors. All the subcontractors it uses have been checked and approved by its operations manager. Glenbuild accepts only the highest standard of work from all our subcontractors.

8. It will do a final inspection check Glenbuild will do a thorough inspection with you within 90 days of completion date. It will then put right any problems, if any, that you may have within 60 days.

9. Ten Year Master Build Guarantee

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Glenbuild offers a 10-year master-build guarantee so you can continue to be secure in the knowledge that even after the building process if there was a problem to arise you are covered easily and reliably.

However Glenbuild also guarantees you won’t need the guarantee.

Glenbuild Ltd PO Box 44-206 Pt Chevalier Auckland 1246 T (09) 849 3040 F (09) 849 3042 www.glenbuild.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Property & Construction | Tehuia Log Homes

Wooden Wonder When a Kiwi couple were looking for a modest-sized, open-plan, architecturally beautiful, warm, eco-friendly and long lasting building, nestled into the northern headlands of the Manukau Harbour, they weren’t expecting it would lead to a new business venture.

That is what happened to John Donovan and partner Sharon Antunovich when they couldn’t find exactly the style of house they were looking for. “We are baby boomers and empty nesters and we did not want to compromise our life with something that did not fit our lifestyle. At the end of the day, we had to design and build this house to get all that we wanted. It just so happens, lots of other people want the same thing. Hence we now have a business,” John says.

dry, they shrink a little and compress – this age proven log building technique ensures an unmovable structure, completely tight and weatherproof. John project manages a team of expert log builders from Canada, the USA and New Zealand. Draftwood logs are also used to mill rafters and floor joists to complete the frame.

Because of the massive structural strength of the log frame, no internal walls need to be structural, so the interior layout can be adapted to suit the needs of the client.

This means the home can become a more conventional three-bedroom abode or can remain open plan on both.

Unlike conventional log cabins, the interiors of the Te Huia Twin Peaks model can be adapted to any style or finish. “What’s between the log posts, the interior and exterior walling is up to the client and their needs and their budget. The log structure remains the same and maintains the certified structural strength and beauty of the building.

“Wooden joinery and a slate roof are wonderful but if the budget only allows an aluminium and colour-steel roof, your Twin Peaks is still going to be beautiful. Wooden floors are great but polished concrete is a cheaper option. You can keep it simple for a rustic Tuscan barn look or dress it up for Ponsonby and Remuera.”

The couple have lived all around the world and seen design elements that excited them. What was most important was they wanted an honest eco-type home that would Don’t be fooled by the preconceived ideas be unobtrusive in the coastal woodland you may have of a log home. Full technology environment where the house would can be incorporated into the development be located. with data, light and sound all wired in during the build.

What resulted is the Tehuia log home. A 200sqm crafted home which has it roots firmly planted, with 40-60-year-old Douglas Fir logs strongly forming the frame. These logs are carefully selected and felled then pulled out of sustainable forests using draught horses. “We log the trees with draught horses not because it’s quick and cheap, but because it’s gentle on the forest and adds immeasurably to the integrity and authenticity of our buildings.”

The logs are then peeled with draw knives, which means nothing is wasted, and gives the logs a natural, warm golden finish.

They are then carefully scribe fit, shaped and fitted. The frame is locked together with notch and saddle joins, the downward weight creating a tight sealed fit. As the logs

It takes two to three months to construct the frame after selecting the trees depending on how many log builders John commits to the build. “We personally select the living trees we use and pull them from the forest with horses. There’s no clicking of the fingers and hey presto another Tehuia Twin Peaks appears like they do in those new housing developments where you can reach out and touch the house next door.

“This is real home building to last for generations to come. I like that Don McGlashan song line; ‘when a man holds a thing well made’. We see our houses still standing 200-plus years from now. So we do it right and do it well.”

Tehuia Twin Peaks

The frame is built at Tehuia Log Homes yard and they then transport the logs on a logging truck to where ever the clients’ building site is in New Zealand or by container overseas. Steep sites and inaccessible sites pose challenges but it’s not unheard of for helicopters to be used if the client has the budget for it.

John says living in his log home is as you would imagine it would be to live in nature.

“It’s open and fresh. The natural light reflects off the massive log beams and every day is different. Huge expanses of double-glassed windows let the light in and the views into our life. Winter, spring, summer and autumn are all reflected inside, and every day is like being at your favourite camp in the woods or by the beach.

“It has beautiful light and sound qualities.

Cool fresh air movement in the height of summer, warm cosy passive heat in the winter. It feels safe and secure – those big logs are locked together for hundreds of years so I don’t ever see one falling down, blowing down or shaking down. It’s honest – you see that massive log frame inside and out and it reassures you. It’s structurally beautiful to look at and I get inspired by it every single day. It’s built by skilled craftsmen that love what they do.”

When asked what it is like to live in, John is very clear; “It’s aspirational and inspiring to live in and I think you should come back in a few years and ask that question of those lucky people I’m talking to at present - and send your great grandchildren back to ask it 150 years from now. I’ll stake my heart and soul on any future owner agreeing with what I have said today.”

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

There are a family of Tehuia Log designs.

“The Twin Peaks we built as a show home is 200sqm, but we can increase or decrease the floor space without changing the log structure. We also have a much larger ‘Four Peaks’ in concept design and a small 65sqm studio/garage/guest house.”

Tehuia Log Homes 40 Upland Road Huia West Auckland 0604 T (09) 811 8144 E john@tehuia.co.nz www.tehuia.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

Give us a break...

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Proud supporters of Tehuia Log Homes

John Wisker and the team at Cato Bolam are proud to be the preferred supplier of Surveying services to John Donovan at Tehuia Log Homes

Specialising in rural, residential and commercial subdivisions and associated works.

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CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACTORS www.aucklandtoday.net.nz July/August 2012 | 57

Creating kitchens that cook Eisno Lifetech Appliances are now available to discerning New Zealand home owners who love to cook.

Eisno is a leading international kitchen appliances brand, with products including high-quality ovens, cooktops, rangehoods and dishwashers. The joint venture Italian brand is distributed throughout New Zealand by Team Robert Elite Limited.

Leading kitchen design

Eisno prides itself on offering highfashion appliances that help determine the style of any kitchen. Eisno is not just a kitchen appliances distributor brand, its target is to be a kitchen fashion leader, continually offering a full range of products backed by Range of kitchen appliances decades of professional experience in The word Eisno stands for “efficient, kitchen appliances and manufacturing innovative, stylish, noble and to Oceania users, who demand highoutstanding”. Each kitchen product is an original Italian contemporary design. end brand quality, leading product concept and fast service.

Eisno offers four different product series to suit the different purchase The company’s remarkable quality is requirements of its customers. due to the strict Italian manufacture The E-Basic range offers the most cost- standard system. Eisno products have only been available in New Zealand effective kitchen appliances that are since 2010 and have been specially well suited for rental properties and designed for the Oceania market. budget kitchens.

Eisno has worked hard to determine what New Zealanders want in their kitchen appliances and what styles they favour. Eisno’s factory is one of the largest OEM (original equipment Eisno’s E-Freedom products are ideal for manufacturer) factories in China. Its every level of purchase. Every appliance customers around the world include in this range is free standing, with no Whirlpool, Electrolux, CDA, Haier, with cabinet needed to install. millions of product units exported each year to customers in more than Finally, the E-Phantom range is Eisno’s premium product line designed for the 40 countries. luxury kitchen, and they are all Because Eisno supplies to many OEM limited edition. clients in Oceania, the company has The E-Aristo range is a fashion design range that is kitchen designer friendly, with new products to be released within the range in the coming months.

Success at Auckland Homeshow Eisno enjoyed great success at the 2011 Auckland Homeshow, with an even larger booth and more products available at this year’s Homeshow in September.

Eisno’s booth was eye catching, with the kitchen appliances stand using entirely bright acrylic and full LED lighting to highlight its product. The booth offered visitors an insight into how a modern kitchen can look.

The booth featured just 12 Eisno products, with all details available and knowledgeable staff on hand to help customers make the right decision for their kitchen. Eisno’s booth at this year’s Auckland Homeshow in September will be even larger and will feature 46 different products.

Eisno plans to not only bring New Zealanders a huge range of fantastic kitchen products, but will also offer the ultimate exhibition experience.

The first generation E-Phantom range all the safety and energy qualifications Prices across these four product series will be launched at the homeshow. The the market requires. The company has range from low-cost budget appliances team at Eisno expects E-Phantom to through to high-end products. However, its own parts warehouse to ensure overturn customers’ previous thinking future parts are all available, with all customers benefit from Eisno being a about high-end luxury kitchen products. products carrying a two-year premium factory direct-import brand, with low The 2012 Auckland Homeshow will run manufacturing costs passed directly onto warranty, as well as extended warranty options on some products. customers, who are able to purchase from September 5-9 at Auckland ASB Eisno offers a complete onsite service. Showgrounds in Greenlane. high-quality products at great prices.

All about Eisno • Eisno Lifetech appliances is an Italian brand offering high-quality stylish kitchen appliances that meet the strict Italian manufacture standard system • Eisno products are fully distributed New Zealand by Team Robert Elite Limited • Eisno products are available in four ranges, to suit every budget and requirement • Eisno prides itself on offering high-fashion appliances that help determine the style of any kitchen • The Eisno range includes ovens, cook tops, rangehoods, dishwashers, free standing ovens and accessories.

Eisno Lifetech Appliances, 188A McLeod Road, Te Atatu South, Auck | T (09) 974 3226 | E enquiry@eisno.co.nz | www.eisno.co.nz

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