Auckland Today Magazine 110

Issue 110 | December 2014

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Taking off Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck is on a mission to blast open the aerospace industry Learning to say ‘no’ The one word that helps improve productivity

Positioning your brand Red Bull owns ‘energy drink’ - what words do you want to own?

Stress savers

How to reduce stress and increase performance • John Key looks onwards and upwards • Keeping customers coming back • Thinking like an elite athlete

Win a free trial of revolutionary fuel conditioner Power Pill FE3+ on page 18

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

Issue 110 December 2014

Issue 110 | December 2014

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

In this issue...

Taking off Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck is on a mission to blast open the aerospace industry

Viewpoints

Features

In business

6 The PM’s desk With the National-led Government back at the helm, John Key looks onwards and upwards

12 Employment laws receive mixed reception The Employment Relations Amendment Bill isn’t for everyone

6 Customer service Business consultant Kevin Vincent on keeping customers coming back

14 How to strategically position your brand Red Bull owns the words ‘energy drink’ what words do you want to own?

25 Property & Construction Total Residential Solutions, Aztec Builders, Taylor Construction, Chevin Civil, BioBuild, Office Design Group, Pool Doctor, Hugh Green Group, PowerCore Electrical, MCB Plumbing, Truline Construction, Traffix, Advance Build, Fotheringhame Contractors, NZ Strong Construction, Frame Homes, Pitch Construction, Tanner Fencing and Mod Pod

Learning to say ‘no’ The one word that helps improve productivity

Positioning your brand Red Bull owns ‘energy drink’ - what words do you want to own?

Stress savers

How to reduce stress and increase performance • John Key looks onwards and upwards • Keeping customers coming back • Thinking like an elite athlete

Win a free trial of revolutionary fuel conditioner Power Pill FE3+ on page 18

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

Auckland Today

Issue 110

6 Thinking inside the box Colin Clapp explains how your competitive edge is sitting right under your nose

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8 Why incentivise staff?

Eugene De Villiers says Kiwi businesses can’t afford not to incentivise their staff

MANAGING DIRECTOR Gary Collins

8 First call resolution PR specialist Graeme Russell on delivering quick client fixes in one conversation

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8 Think like a professional sportsman Business coach Leigh Paulden says it’s time to start thinking like an elite athlete

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ADMIN MANAGER

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10 Getting website images right Website specialist Suzanne Carter’s key rules for online visuals

SALES & ADVERTISING Warren Wilks Akash Sandhu Evelyn Gray AJ Norton Mariska DuPreez Melissa Sinclair Clive Greenwood Christine Fernandes

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Rob Cochrane Tina Aiono Peter Loakman Grant Williams Chris Graves

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

NEWSROOM

24

Jonathon Taylor EDITOR Davina Richards JOURNALISTS Laura Baker

16 Our two trillion dollar opportunity Getting the green light to enter the WTO’s government procurement agreement is a great opportunity for exporters 20 Taking off Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck is on a mission to blast open the aerospace industry 22 Learning to say ‘no’ Why saying this simple word will improve your productivity 22 Temporary staff training tips Simple steps to help make temporary staff training quick and efficient 23 Stress savers How to reduce stress levels and increase performance 24 Lifestyles Everything from gadgets and gizmos to hat stands and baubles

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Marie Sherry

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50 Manufacturing & Engineering How Plate Solutions NZ is stepping up to meet increasing demand 53 Engineering The varied ways South Auckland Forgings Engineering is delivering critical engineering solutions and the precision parts delivered by Metco Engineering 55 Focus Brink’s Chicken, Albany Toyota, Storepro, L A Irwin, Fantails Childcare Centre, EcoZip Adventures, Auckland Petrol Tank Services, Wastex, Gouk and Sullivan, United Way NZ, Buy New Zealand Made, Hauraki Panel and Paint, and Durello Traditional Brazilian Foods 72 Initiatives Service Foods, Stoney Ridge, Lifestyle Yachts and the Bricon Engineering Group 77 Goods & Services Texon NZ, Blueberry Country, Parakai Springs and Eric Paton Engineering

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Viewpoints | Sales/Management

Onwards and upwards

Customer service the big Thinking inside the box differentiator Kevin Vincent is managing director of Vincent Consulting Limited www.vincentconsulting.co.nz

By Rt Hon John Key, Prime Minister

Now that the new National-led Government has been sworn in, we are straight back to work so we can lock in the gains of the past six years.

I’m proud that National’s clear economic plan is supporting growth, more jobs and higher incomes, and is providing opportunities for New Zealanders and their families to get ahead.

Our economy is growing and we are creating more jobs.

Getting the Government’s books back to surplus and building strong surpluses in the future remains a challenge.

Returning to surplus means we can start repaying debt built up to support the most vulnerable New Zealanders through the recession and the rebuild of Canterbury.

New Zealand’s economic growth of 3.9 percent in the year to June was the highest in a decade. But one or two years of growth will not change our economic prosperity. We need to stay on course over many years to really lift our long term economic performance.

National will implement a suite of policies to lift our long term growth rate. One of our newest initiatives is to hold Kiwi expat Job Fairs in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to recruit talented Kiwis to fill skill shortages back in New Zealand.

The Government is intending to negotiate and sign free trade agreements with Korea, the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the WTO Government Procurement Agreement to help our exporters compete on equal footing around the world.

Every company I talk with readily recognises the importance of good customer service and putting the customer first. Why then, do we find that service people often treat us though we are a nuisance and that we may owe them something?

Is it getting worse or better? How often do you feel neglected, frustrated and unhappy with the levels of “service” you receive?

Why is it that some companies endear themselves to us while others just don’t seem to care or even know how to please? I am sure people go to work not intending to fail.

Today customers want more value. If they value lower cost they want it cheaper. If it’s convenience, they want it faster. If it’s more technologically advanced, they want it smarter, lighter, faster and easier.

Most companies have access to similar levels of technology and in these cases the key to successful differentiation can often sit with the level of customer service we provide.

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’s experience. They must provide a premium service that is unique, faster, more reliable, more responsive and more caring than ever before. What was once special treatment is today ordinary and we all must look for ways to deliver service standards that go above and beyond.

Companies must:

By Colin Clapp; founding member of The Business Factory www.thebusinessfactory.org

The recent queues for the latest Apple iPhone reminded me again that the Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS) is alive and well. I am an Apple user but in the business improvement world I live in, it is useful to have a foot in several mainstream technological camps such as Android, Apple, Google and Microsoft.

Consequently, I rarely upgrade unless a situation forces a change on me. The reason is because it’s not the technology that makes the difference to our wellbeing, it’s how the user applies the technology.

In many, if not all cases, we are leaving a lot of untapped productivity potential on the table. The same can be said for how we use our brains. Even more untapped potential!

The desire behind SOS is not exclusive to technology and reminds me of the Acres of Diamonds story. This story is about the farmer who, upon hearing of other farmers who have made millions after discovering diamond mines, sells his land in order to search the continent for these untold riches.

Eventually, after years of frustratingly unsuccessful searches he gives up and drowns himself. Meanwhile, the man who bought his land discovers the largest diamond ever found and the first farm turns out be one of the most productive diamond mines ever.

The moral of the story is that our own acres of diamonds are potentially right under our noses if only we would be patient and willing enough to look for them. Exploring what we already know is what I call “thinking inside the box”.

Our plan is to double the level of business research and development to one percent of GDP by 2018 so that more of our innovative hi-tech businesses succeed on the world stage.

• Act with professionalism and self confidence

We will enlarge the footprint of the Ultrafast Broadband rollout from 75 percent to 80 percent of New Zealand and extend Rural Broadband so more New Zealanders have better connectivity.

• Exceed the customer’s needs and expectations.

The problem is that thinking outside the box (and SOS) can be expensive in more ways than one. Here are three expensive examples of why thinking outside the box is not always a good idea:

Customer service is everyone’s responsibility. The loyalty of your customers is likely to be the most important asset of your company.

1. It takes energy. Learning new things occupies the pre-frontal cortex part of our brains and this busy part of our brain drains our energy.

Everyone in your company provides customer service whether that service is internal or external. If the provision of great customer service to internal clients becomes your culture, then that same great customer service will be provided externally.

2. It takes time. Trying to come up with brand new ideas usually involves creating clear thinking space.

We passed the Employment Relations Bill to ensure flexible labour markets create more jobs for Kiwis. We want to further increase petroleum and minerals exploration.

We will introduce the KiwiSaver Home Start Grant next year to double support a first home buyer can get if they are buying or building a new home, which will encourage the supply of more affordable new housing.

It is only by having a strong economy that we can lift opportunities and incomes for families and invest more in the public services that New Zealanders rely on.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the customer’s needs and expectations

Your company can become very successful and differentiate itself if you have a greater understanding and knowledge of who your customers are, what their unique needs are, why they should do business with you (what’s in it for them), and what value you give them that can’t be gained elsewhere.

Remember, customers do have choice. Make it easy for your customers to do business with you and your business will grow and become more profitable.

6 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

3. It costs money. Learning and exploring new ideas always has an opportunity cost; i.e. the value of pursuing an alternative course.

Many people know I am a big fan of investing energy, time and money to get where you want. However, at times, I suggest thinking inside the box will get a better result because it is about recognising we could be being more, doing more and having more with what we already own and know.

Viewpoints | Business Growth/Online

Why incentivise staff?

First call resolution

By Eugene De Villiers, managing director of Extra Mile Company Eugene@extramilecompany.com

In today’s economic climate most of us are trying to keep our operational costs to a minimum, while trying to balance adequate service levels.

We’ve all had it drummed into us that the customer is king, but too many Kiwi businesses focus solely on their external ‘royalty’ and then wonder why the ‘peasants’ eventually revolt!

Normally, when you cut costs there is a trade off with the level of service that you can offer. However, in customer service teams, there is something that you can measure and improve on.

Often companies around New Zealand don’t give too much thought to measuring and improving their customer services. If they were going to investigate anything at all it should be FCR – First Call Resolution.

It’s a simple equation – invest in keeping the decent staff you already have, so they stay put and not only will you save money on recruitment, but increased productivity levels will boost your bottom line.

What is FCR? There are different definitions for FCR, but I like to think of it as getting it right the first time. This means when a customer calls you with an issue you solve it in one phone call.

Employers are sadly mistaken if they think staff will be motivated and engaged by simply receiving the pay cheque they feel entitled to. So it makes sense that if you want staff to perform better then more money is not always the best way to achieve this:

Why is this important? Every time a customer has to call your company back because their issue wasn’t resolved the first or second time, those second and third calls cost you a lot of money.

• Pay is a contractual deal - purely functional • Why limit everyone to the lowest common denominator rather than the highest?

• When staff are engaged, appreciated and rewarded, why would they leave?

• Incentive programmes help a company identify their best people and encourages others to strive to be like them.

What to look for in an incentive programme for your business: Does the programme bring to life your core organisation values? Who is the programme aimed at and why? Is this clearly identified? Can participants easily track their own progress? Are the rewards meaningful and relevant to the participants? Are there clear and realistic corporate goals for the programme and effective measurement and evaluation tools?

In our experience, travel is usually the reward that delivers exceptional results. Because it’s not an affordable option for many people, it becomes an attractive incentive.

Leigh Paulden is a Gazelles consultant working with Auckland CEOs, and business owners www.ssbg.co.nz

Graeme Russell is a marketing and PR specialist Graeme@adagebusiness.co.nz

Incentivising staff when they are already paid to do their job is an age old debate. I believe Kiwi businesses simply can’t afford not to incentivise their staff.

The average wallet is bursting with loyalty cards designed to lure customers back who may have little or no impact on their overall business success. Some of those same businesses put no effort whatsoever into getting their staff to return to work year after year.

Think like a professional sportsman

Let’s look at some facts and figures. An FCR of 68 percent is average in the USA – NZ might be a little lower. This means 32 percent of customers have to call back; reduce this and you reduce your running costs enormously.

About 15 percent of customers who don’t get a resolution are likely to go to a competitor, this will have a big impact on your business. And FCR is directly related to customer satisfaction – a one percent increase in FCR will get you a one percent increase in customer satisfaction.

Once your customer service representative thinks that they have solved the issue get them to ask the customer ‘Did I solve the problem for you today?’

The answer will tell you if you still have some work to do.

If the answer is yes, then job done. If the answer is no, or hesitation, then the response should be “Thanks for telling me, can you please explain how else I can be of help and I’ll do my best to find a solution?”

This is so simple it’s beautiful. Once you do this the next step is to find a way to work out how often you get it right the first time.

The only drawback of using an incentive progamme is not using an incentive programme.

As 2014 pulls to a close, it’s time to focus on the opportunities for 2015. How are you going to achieve what you and your business needs to reach the goals and milestones you want and need to prosper?

Maybe it’s time to start thinking like an elite athlete! Every rugby player, cricketer and golfer has a coach. Maybe it’s time for your business to bring in that outside perspective.

An expert who can help you and your senior management team create a simple, but highly effective operating structure based around the ‘Gazelles Four Decisions’.

When you boil business down to its core structure and focus correctly on the right people, strategy, execution and cash, the positive effects will flow through every area of the company.

A qualified consultant will provide simple tools to create this structure and assist in teaching the management team how to use the necessary tools and give them a deeper understanding of each one and the difference it can make to the company. It’s also about bringing the right methodologies into play; at Gazelles, these are based on science.

An outside perspective adds value. The coach/consultant can watch the actions of individuals, teams and departments to ensure they are aligned to achieving the strategy and results required.

It’s about having someone ask the hard or different questions, to look impartially and professionally at all situations, opportunities and strategic directions from a variety of perspectives - perspectives those in the company simply can’t achieve.

At times it is about instigating change in the team, an individual, or across the company. It’s about holding them accountable to achieving what it is they aim to achieve.

It is challenging at times and a coach/consultant ensures the management team does not take the easy option, but really starts to examine and challenge the right things, in the right ways. It’s about learning to look at the right data and if there is not enough information to make decision, then it’s about knowing what data to gather and then committing all the appropriate people to executing decisions arising from the data and strategy.

If you are a CEO, senior manager, on a board or a business owner who is serious about growth, like every professional sportsman, a coach will help you gain clarity, refine systems and strategies to ensure orderly, scalable methodology to support sustainable growth.

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8 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Viewpoints | Online

Getting website images right

EVENTS DIARY

What’s happening on the business and entertainment front Suzanne Carter is a specialist for website development company Limelight Online www.limelightonline.co.nz

One of the most common conversations I have with businesses about their website design is around the use of images. Images can include photos, graphics, drawings, or pretty much anything that is visual and not words.

Why are images important?

This is an easy one. The answer is a resounding yes and the reasons why are various. Images build trust and credibility, visual content engages much more than the written word, images convey a clear message as to what your business does. Words sometimes are not enough to describe your product or service and images sell – particularly if you have an ecommerce website. A little tip – if you use models to showcase your products make sure they are looking at the product itself as this will draw users eyes to the products too and increase conversion When do I need to use an image?

Any image that you use must be appropriate to your business, your message and your market.

An image is not meant to confuse; it is meant to enhance your website and engage visitors to your site so that they take the action you want them to take.

If you are in the finance industry you wouldn’t have images of fluffy cats! However, if you decided to add some photos of people’s fluffy cats within their personal profile then that is a different story as that helps people get to know your team.

Don’t be tempted to use an image just for the sake of having one. White space on a website doesn’t need to be filled with an image that serves no purpose.

What quality should the images be?

Again, this is an easy one to answer: high

quality every single time. In fact, if the images are not of a high quality then it is best not to add them to your website as it can do your brand more harm than good.

Poor quality images will create the wrong first impression as potential customers may make the assumption your products or services are of poor quality too. It is definitely worth the investment in hiring a professional photographer if you are not so flash at taking photos.

If you are an architect showcasing houses you have designed on your website and the house photos are grainy and grey then you are decreasing the chances of being contacted by a potential client.

Can we use any image we find on the Internet?

Just because an image is available on the Internet for all to see, it does not mean that you can use it on your website, even though it may be the perfect image for your needs.

Many images are subject to copyright so to be safe it is best to use your own photos or design your own images. There are also many resources for free images, whether public domain, licensed creative commons or inexpensive stock images, so you really shouldn’t need to use copyright-protected works for your site. If you really have to have a particular image then ask first.

You’d be surprised at how many people would gladly grant permission for use of their images.

Why are team photos so important?

People buy from people so including photos of your team on your website conveys a sense of trust, credibility and transparency.

In conclusion - the right images on your website will increase engagement and conversion. The wrong images will have the opposite effect. If you are in doubt about whether to use an image or not then it is probably best not to.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17 Intro to Digital Marketing Feeling left behind in the digital age? Get up to speed quick with the Intro to Digital Marketing. You will be guided through the basics and taught the tools and strategies you need to get started with digital marketing. You’ll leave with a sound overview of digital marketing so you can put the web to work to brand, build and boost your business.

To register, visit: www.theconnector.co.nz

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 Introduction to Solve Property New Zealand Solve Property New Zealand is a home construction company specialising in renovations and building. If you want to know more about home renovations and leaky homes then this is the right event for you.

To register, visit: www.solveproperty.co.nz

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26 The New Zealand Herald Boxing Day Races Running for more than 150 years, Ellerslie’s Boxing Day Races are an institution. This event is the beginning of The New Zealand Herald Christmas Carnival and is always a brilliant day of high fashion, entertainment, socialising and the very best in thoroughbred racing.

For more information, visit: www.ellerslie.co.nz

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3 -10 2015 ASB Classic The 2015 ASB Classic promises to be an exciting tournament with some of the biggest names in woman’s tennis on court.

Venus Williams will return for the 2015 tournament as part of the NZ Festival of Tennis. And another major coup for the

tournament to date, world number nine, Caroline Wozniacki will be joining the field.

For more information, visit: www.festivaloftennis.co.nz

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 The Winery Tour 2015 The Winery Tour is proud to be back for 2015, headlined by the iconic Dave Dobbyn and Don McGlashan, performing together, followed by the legendary Supergroove and the queen of the Winery Tour, Anika Moa. Celebrate New Zealand’s music, wine and our scenery with a relaxing day out amongst the vines.

To purchase tickets visit: www.winerytour.co.nz

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 -22 Thriller Live Thriller Live is a spectacular concert production that celebrates the music of the world’s greatest entertainer. More than two hours of non-stop music pays homage to Michael Jackson and his live performances. The show has played at London’s West End since 2009, and is one of the longest running musicals in West End history.

To purchase tickets visit: www.thrillerlive.co.nz

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 -18 The 2nd Annual Women in Leadership Summit 2015 The summit is a leadership, development and networking platform designed to explore the effective leadership strategies, share inspirational stories and provide critical tools for leadership success. The two-day event will feature prominent and inspiring speakers from women in leadership roles, plus strategies to overcome career challenges and advice to accomplish your career goals.

To register, visit www.liquidlearning.com.au

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CUT YOUR PETROL PUMP COSTS WITH THE POWER PILL Although the automobile has had changed the shape of modern day life, escalating fuel prices are now making it prohibitively expensive to drive.

However, there is help at hand. Much like you use a conditioner to improve your hair, there’s a fuel conditioner which can actually improve the condition of your vehicle’s engine.

Available from Auckland, for both personal and commercial vehicles, Power Pill can give you more power and save up to 50 percent of your fuel costs, explains Power Pill distributor Lionel Coughey.

“The Power Pill is a hydrocarbon tablet which conditions your engine,” Lionel explains. “So it increases engine power, improves fuel economy, reduces exhaust emissions and ultimately saves you money.

“In the past 18 months of trials, the lowest increase in fuel efficiency in petrol vehicles has been 15 percent and almost as high as a 50 percent gain in newer vehicles.”

Available in a blister pack of 10, there are Power Pills available for both petrol and diesel vehicles, from small personal cars, to large commercial fleets. With prices starting at just $40 per 10 pack suitable to treat a 70 litre tank of fuel, you can make significant fuel savings for as low as $4 per treatment.

With a money back guarantee and insurance policy, companies can try Power Pill for themselves in even the most expensive machinery, without risk to themselves or their company equipment.

“Typically if you’re filling up regularly, you can add one pill per fill up, or you can divide the pill into smaller doses – half a pill for half a tank,” Lionel says.

Developed in Russia towards the end of World War II, the Power Pill has years of research and expertise behind it and can make a significant difference to the environment. “The Power Pill decreases emissions significantly,” Lionel says.

“From the tests we have carried out on a standard Nissan, carbon emissions were decreased by 42 percent, which was already well below the national environmental standards. It’s future proofing for when the Government introduces a ‘pay for pollution’ system.”

Auckland taxi owner Kumar saw results straight away after using the Power Pill FE-3 and it’s making a significant difference to his bottom line. “After only one fill-up I noticed the diesel van was pulling much better up the hills with so much more power,” Kumar says.

Lenard from Mr Butcher Homekills in Ramarama began using the large truck pills in his company truck six months ago.

“Straight away I noticed more power travelling uphill and to my surprise I have on average been achieving a 14.2 percent saving on fuel per tank,” Lenard says. “I think that all business should be using the power pill.”

“Manufacturers are always making better vehicles,” Lionel says. “Our products will still be able to deliver despite the new technology coming through. A lot of people figure they’re using hybrid vehicles and not using a lot of gas anyway. If they get in touch with us, we can demonstrate the value they can still get from our products.”

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News | Local Moves

Surviving the silly season cashflow flummox Christmas may be a festive time of year, but many small and medium sized enterprises face cashflow challenges during the holiday season and need to plan ahead.

Bibby Financial Services managing director, Mark Cleaver says collections can often be problematic as payables staff take annual leave and invoices often get forgotten. “Add to this the traditional slowdown in sales over the New Year, and it is a period of heightened risk of dried up cashflows for many SMEs.” Early preparation is key for the financial health of a business and to avoid a holiday hangover, he says. “The average small business now waits almost twice the standard 30 days for payment of invoices, 53.4 days according to Dun & Bradstreet’s June quarter Trade Payments Analysis, so most SMEs need to act early to avoid payments blowing out beyond this time.”

Identifying potential problems is important to managing them, so here are some important tips for SMEs on getting around some key cash flow challenges over the festive season.

1. Invoice early and often, and request a deposit Delayed payments from customers can have a serious impact on a business’s ability to grow its sales and profitability. So invoice early to encourage earlier payment. Make it clear what your payment terms are and enforce them.

2. Deal with potential late payers as soon as possible As soon as you become aware of a customer not paying, demand payment or consider

threatening legal action. Don’t let the customer get the upper hand.

3. Investigate solutions to improve receivables management in the quiet period The more procedures that you have in place, the more likely your staff will collect invoices on time. Consider running credit checks on all customers periodically and avoid non-payers.

4. Take the time to review credit reports or consider credit insurance Being a period of cashflow strain for many businesses, debtor insolvencies can cause serious cashflow issues and raise the risk of bad debt. Credit insurance can pay off in the long run.

5. Clear overstocks and inventories now Significant amounts of much needed cash can be locked up in unsold inventories, so use them.

6. Prioritise new work What expenses can be delayed until cash flows are stronger? Consider delaying big one-off expenses over the Christmas and New Year season until more cash is flowing. With business tax due in February, this is another key consideration for SMEs. 7. Consider offering early settlement discounts for prompt payment If you can afford to, offer a small discount for early payment, which can save you a lot of heartache later.

8. Consider a holiday shut down Examine outgoings and shut down over the holiday period if necessary to minimise costs.

If customers stop walking in, then you may as well shut down and save yourself running expenses.

Retraction

In the November 2014 issue of Auckland Today, an advertisement on page 41 by website design company Fatweb made direct consumer comparisons to those services offered by Zeald.

Unfortunately information used in that advertisement was either incorrect or outdated.

We, as publishers of this advertisement, acknowledge that the inclusion of incorrect and/or outdated information in a comparative advertisement might mislead the public.

Therefore Auckland Today apologises unreservedly to Zeald for any inconvenience or embarrassment this advertisement may have caused.

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New employment laws receive mixed reception The recently passed Employment Relations Amendment Bill, which will come into force early next year, has been met with mixed reactions.

The changes in the bill target six main areas: • The collective bargaining framework (including strikes and lockouts) • Flexible working arrangements • Part 6A (continuity of employment for specified employees) • The duty of good faith • Rest and meal break rules • Provisions for the Employment Relations Authority (the Authority).

Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety, Michael Woodhouse has welcomed the Bill’s passage through Parliament.

“The passing of this Bill… will improve New Zealand’s employment relations framework by creating a fair and more flexible system for both employers and employees.

“It will help to build sustained economic growth through a more responsive labour market, while providing certainty for employers and employees around workplace rights and obligations,” he says.

Among other changes, the Bill increases choice and flexibility in collective bargaining, with the Employment Relations Authority now able to declare whether collective bargaining has concluded.

“It extends the right to request flexible working arrangements to all workers, not just caregivers, and these requests can now be made from the first day of employment.

“Rest and meal break provisions are now more flexible, with the Bill enabling employers and employees to agree to the timing and duration of rest and meal breaks.”

The Bill also makes changes to the continuity of employment provisions, known as Part 6A in the Act, for more vulnerable sectors of workers such as cleaners.

“Flexible and balanced employment relations legislation is essential for business to grow while ensuring protections for workers are retained.

This Bill strikes the right balance to promote business growth while also retaining protections for workers.”

New Zealand’s largest private sector union, the EPMU, says every worker will be impacted by the change.

EPMU national secretary Bill Newson says “Along with removing basic protections around tea breaks, this bill undermines collective bargaining, ultimately driving down real wages and work conditions. It makes it harder for workers to challenge unfair dismissals. At this point, the best protection any worker has against this law is to join their union. It sounds selfserving, but it’s a fact.”

The Public Service Association (PSA) says the changes will hurt vulnerable workers and their families more than anyone.

PSA national secretary, Erin Polaczuk says it will force many New Zealanders into accepting lower wages and lower working conditions.

“Bad employers will be empowered by this law while our most vulnerable workers will be hurt.”

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News | Strategies

How to strategically position your brand

By Stephen Lynch

You can have the greatest product in the world, the most superb service, but, if no one knows about it, you will have a warehouse full of excellent products and you will be sitting around your office waiting for the phone to ring.

This is where companies make a big mistake with their marketing. It’s important to have great products and great services. But too many companies delude themselves by thinking “If people knew how great our products or services are, they’d buy us every time”.

They try to market themselves by saying things like “We’ve got the best quality, the best product, the best service and the best people”. I’ve got three words for you: waste of time.

Yes, all those things are important, but they won’t help you be successful with your marketing.

It’s not about the product - it’s about the positioning. Strategic positioning or brand positioning is a statement of who you are. It is what your target customers think about when they hear your brand name.

Red Bull owns the words “energy drink”. What words do you want to own? What will make you stand out from the herd?

with strategic positioning. So let’s think about how you can position your company.

Seth Godin in his book The Purple Cow says you There’s no one best way to position your should stand out from the herd of competitors the company (or brand) so you appear distinctively different from your competition. You need to way a purple cow would stand out from a herd choose a position that sets you apart in a way of cows. That’s not just a little different - we’re that appeals to your ideal target market customer. talking dramatically different - and that There are six basic ways to achieve that. takes courage.

The old rule of marketing was that you played it safe. You created a good enough product or service, and then you sold it with PR and advertising. You took out ads, you spent money and you tried to drive customers to your business that way. That used to work, but it doesn’t any more.

Today you need to create remarkable products or services that your target market customers will seek out and talk about. They will spread word of mouth about your brand.

It starts with being dramatically different. You’re either a purple cow of a product or service, or you’re a commodity. But that’s only part of the challenge. You must also be dramatically and meaningfully different to your ideal target market customer.

Just being good is not enough. Your competitors are good. Your customers won’t even start down the path to buy your product unless they think you’re remarkably, distinctively and meaningfully different.

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Seagram’s bought Chivas in 1949, and they increased the marketing budget and added distribution muscle. And Chivas was Frank Sinatra’s favourite Scotch, adding the kind of glamour that sells high priced products.

That doesn’t change the effectiveness of using price to position your product or service, but it does offer a lesson about digging for the facts behind statements that “everybody knows”.

Other ways to position yourself

One of the most commonly told stories is the one about how Chivas Regal was a struggling brand 1. Position your company by creating a of Scotch whiskey until they doubled their price; new category. according to this account, unit sales doubled.

2. Position your company as something different from the category leader.

I’ve used the “Chivas Regal effect” story for years and I’m not the only one. It’s referred to on 3. Position your company as a specialist. websites, in sober magazines like Time, and even in marketing books. But none of those “sources” 4. Position your company as the master of a distribution channel. gives any details.

A 1991 book by David Aaker titled Managing Brand Equity says, “The classic story is that Chivas Regal had been a struggling brand until its managers decided to raise its price to a level far above its competitors. Sales skyrocketed, even though nothing was changed in the product itself.”

Again, no details. It’s true that Chivas’s sales increased dramatically in the 1950s, but I think the increase could have also been caused by other factors that didn’t have anything to do with price.

5. Position your company by being explicit about who your target market customer is.

How to find your strategic position Here are two questions that I recommend to help you identify your strategic position: 1. In what area could you be perceived as the leader of a category or niche in your industry?

2. In what area could you be perceived as being dramatically and meaningfully different from your competitors?

Strategic positioning doesn’t happen in a vacuum. You have to consider where you are positioned compared to your competition.

That means returning to the industry analysis to identify your key competitors, looking at their marketing material and figuring out what positions your competitors have staked out in the marketplace.

Answer the following questions so that you have their positions fresh in your mind when you consider your own position: Who are your key competitors? What strategic position do they claim to own (if any) in their marketing messages?

Now step back for a minute and consider the book Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne, who define a “Blue Ocean Strategy” this way: “The aim of a Blue Ocean Strategy is not to outperform the competition in the existing industry, but to create new market space or a blue ocean, thereby making the competition irrelevant.”

Stephen Lynch, chief operating officer at results.com. Information kindly provided by: www.results.com

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14 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Giveaway | In Brief

Exporters face $2.16 trillion opportunity The announcement that New Zealand has the green light to enter the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) is being lauded by ExportNZ as a great opportunity for Kiwi exporters.

The organisation says it congratulates the Government on such a positive result following two years of negotiations and looks forward to seeing New Zealand’s accession to the Agreement.

ExportNZ executive director, Catherine Beard says “Entering this Agreement will open up opportunities all over the world for Kiwi firms, reducing costs and putting businesses on a more equal footing.

“International businesses can already compete for New Zealand government contracts as we’re such an open trading nation, but with this

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Agreement in place this type of open access will be reciprocated.

“Kiwi firms will be able to bid for foreign government contracts, worth US $1.7 trillion a year and growing, from right here in New Zealand.

“This is a huge opportunity for Kiwi firms currently participating in these foreign supply chains,” she says. “Now is the time for those and other businesses to also think about raising their capabilities to be ready and able to compete in those big overseas tenders.”

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News | Cover Story

Taking off

By Laura Baker

Boldly going where no Kiwi has gone before, local company Rocket Lab is taking one giant leap forward for New Zealand, venturing into the world of space exploration, and they’re turning plenty of heads as they go.

20 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

News | Cover Story Peter started Rocket Lab in 2007, a move that put his goal of commercialising space into action. At the time he wasn’t sure he was going to build a rocket like Electron, but what he was sure about was that he needed to find a much more cost-effective way to access space in a regular time-frame in order for his business to be successful.

“Everything we’ve done to date within the company has been working towards these goals. I don’t think there was a particular eureka moment when we knew it was going to happen, it was more of a long hard slog to get to this point.”

Mission impossible

New Zealand is well-known for a number of industries including farming, dairy, tourism and even film making, but the space exploration industry is yet to make a name for itself; in fact The stroke of genius which has caught the eye of big international players is the newest rocket, before Rocket Lab hit the scene seven years ago the Electron. Rocket Lab CEO and founder, Peter there was absolute no space industry of any kind in the country.

Beck says the Electron is set to revolutionise how businesses access and use satellites So before Rocket Lab could break Electron in space. through the atmosphere and into space, they had to break into the market - not an easy task Ever since the very first rocket launch, when there isn’t a local market. Getting Rocket accessing space has been renowned for being Lab off the ground was Peter’s first mission immensely expensive. Apollo launched on and in order for the business to take flight, he average two times a year and cost $3.6 billion needed cash to fuel it. per flight.

It was widely assumed, as time and technology developed, space exploration would become more affordable and accessible, but largely this has not been the case. Rocket programmes have made little new advances in technology.

Those who want to launch a satellite into space still face on average a two year wait to launch and more than $130 million to purchase a rocket. A hassle and a price which has put space out of reach for all but a few.

Rocket Lab is the first company in the world to design a rocket which addresses these deterring factors. The Electron costs $4.9 million, that’s a 95 percent reduction in the cost of the average launch today. It can put a satellite into orbit using the same amount of fuel that it takes a jetliner to go from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Plus it is capable of launching as often as the client wants.

This rocket is a dedicated launch vehicle whit a sole purpose to reach and utilise space. Now satellite launches are a plausible option for almost any business; space is open for business.

Bright spark

Peter’s fascination in space and rocket building has been a life long passion and pursuit. His interest in rockets was sparked at a young age and he hasn’t looked back.

He started building rockets at high school, rather rudimentary ones, but rockets nonetheless.

As he progressed through school and into his career he built bigger and bigger rockets capable of more sophisticated functions.

Undeterred by the fact there are no relevant qualifications in New Zealand for space rocket engineering, Peter followed his dream regardless. His journey took him to the USA, the major hub of space exploration, and home to dozens of rocket manufactures. He spent a month overseas meeting all of the companies he had spent years corresponding with, but a flaw in all of the companies’ objectives was clear.

“It quickly became apparent that while the companies were good at what they do, they weren’t working on what I thought was really important, which is properly commercialising space. If you want to build a weapon then that’s great, but if you want to really make a big difference in the way that space is used and accessed, then that isn’t the way to do it.

From day one 100 percent of the revenue had to be from exports. But trying to export a rocket to aerospace giants out of a country that didn’t have any history in the commercial space industry and a company that didn’t have reputation was a tough job. “You have to have something really special for those guys to take note of you.”

Rocket Lab faced many challenges in its early years of development, as Peter explains. “There is no space industry in New Zealand; we are kind of it. So when it came to people’s perceptions of starting and running a commercial rocket business in New Zealand we received a lot of stigma. We were told it was the domain of big countries such as America and powerful governments, which was a constant battle we had to deal with.

“

We are certainly viewed as the most advanced programme in the world at the moment; it’s great for the company, but it has been hard earned.

”

“Many, many times, especially when we first began, we were told we couldn’t do anything of any significance in New Zealand. To convince those people that they were wrong and New Zealand can actually punch above its weight in this area was definitely one of the challenges.”

Overcoming the harsh perceptions of a critical public and commercial space industry was not the only obstacle they had to overcome. Peter says developing and engineering rockets is hard, even from an engineer’s point of view.

“It’s a really hard thing to do; there is a reason why it’s called rocket science.”

To build the ultimate commercial rocket, Peter had to search far and wide to find a team that was up to the job. He employed some staff

from New Zealand, but in many cases he had to find people from outside of the country. “We imported some of the best space guys there are from around the world to take on our projects, which are significantly difficult.”

Blast off

The experts Peter recruited have made huge leaps and bounds in the construction of the rocket, but Peter says there is still a lot of development and testing to be done before Electron can make its maiden voyage, which is scheduled for the end of next year.

“It’s a matter of building it and going through a big test flight campaign and then certifying it and finally serving our customers.”

Engineering the rocket has been a difficult task and they are still designing and building pieces of it. They have custom-made everything from the large launch vehicle, the full carbon composite structures, the rocket propulsion systems and the avionics.

“There is nothing you can buy off the shelf you have to build absolutely everything from scratch. Everything we’ve built has had to be optimised and capable of performing at extreme levels. It’s not like we can just go down to a contractor and buy rocket bits - they just don’t exist anywhere in the world.”

Rocket Lab will launch Electron from New Zealand, but are still evaluating launch site options, with Mercury Island one of the top contenders.

Once Electron is in full running order, the aim is for one launch a week. “If we can do one a week then we’ll seriously change the landscape of the space industry. America went to space 19 times last year in total, so if New Zealand can do one a week, then we’ll have the most amount of stuff launched into space per year in the industry for sure.”

While it may not have made its first flight into space yet, customers are already lining up to have the Electron fire their satellite into orbit.

It is currently on the market and Rocket Lab has more than 30 customers signed up on the launch manifest.

The majority of customers plan to send earth observation satellites into space. These satellites are designed to monitor weather patterns, observe crops and feed images into Google Earth.

One of a kind

So why are customers lining up for their spot on the launch pad? It’s because the Electron is truly one of a kind, unlike any rocket ever designed.

Europe, China, India and America all have developed rocket launch programmes, but none quite like this one.

“We are certainly viewed as the most advanced programme in the world at the moment; it’s great for the company, but it has been hard earned.”

Launch vehicles throughout history have been typically very large and even the smallest models ever built are still at least two times larger than the Electron. Its compact size is the key to its success. The small-scale design translates in fewer materials required and a simpler manufacturing process wall adds up to less cost to the customer.

“Typically the majority of space vehicles are repurposed missiles. This is the first time that somebody has stepped back and said ‘lets not repurpose a missile, lets actually start from a clean sheet of paper and create something that is designed for mass manufacture and is designed to do what the task in front of it is’.

“This rocket may be small, but it’s up for the big job at hand.”

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 21

News | Tactics

Learn to say ‘no’ to improve your productivity

By Stephen Lynch

Business leaders tend to be incredibly busy individuals.

But ‘busyness’ should never be confused with effectiveness. We need to switch from being busy, to achieving results.

Assuming you have a clear vision for your business and have carefully chosen a small handful of strategic projects to focus on this quarter - those actions which will position your firm for future success in your industry – you must ensure that you and your people devote a sufficient percentage of your time each week to work on activities aligned to achieving these project outcomes.

What percentage of time do you spend focussing on strategic projects that will move your business forward? If you take a typical week and track every hour how you actually spend your time, the answer will likely shock you.

There are always more things to do than there is time available. The changing environment outside your firm is the only area where results occur and that is where leaders need to focus their attention.

But pressures always drag you back inside the firm. They drag you into what has happened, over what will happen in the future - the current crisis over the future opportunity - the urgent over the important.

Creating a winning strategy, with clear strategic projects is the first step. To do that, you need to employ a disciplined strategic decision making process. However, the execution of strategic projects is still the major challenge for most business leaders, and it often requires a “stop doing list.”

Drucker offered the following tips to help you become a more effective business leader: 1. Do not invest any more resources into activities that are no longer productive – or those that are unlikely to be productive in the future.

Warren Buffet once said, “The difference between 2. Prune ruthlessly. Yesterday’s successes successful people and very successful people is always linger long beyond their productive life. that very successful people say no to 3. Put your best people to work on the almost everything”. opportunities of tomorrow, not fixing the past.

Very successful people force themselves to 4. Get rid of everything else so you can focus on focus on what is strategically important and the few activities that will really make a difference eliminate everything else. in the future. Everyone is already too busy Peter Drucker recommended that business working on the activities of yesterday. leaders concentrate on the few things that will produce the greatest results. Do first things first - 5. Have the courage to get rid of an old activity and second things not at all. before you start a new one.

It is too easy to keep adding more activities, more projects, more products and more services.

Effective leaders need to have the courage to ‘prune the rosebush’ because that is exactly what you must do if you want to create beautiful blooms.

It sounds simple, but simple does not necessarily mean easy. It’s hard to stop doing things we have become attached to.

Stephen Lynch, chief operating officer at results. com. Information kindly provided by results.com: www.results.com

Temporary staff training tips

By Laura Hall

Christmas is just around the corner once again and so too is the busiest time of the year for many businesses.

importantly why. It is extremely useful for the person to know not only how to do something, but why it needs doing as it gives them context about how their role effects overall operations.

Explaining to the new arrivals why the tasks are done and why they need to be done in a certain way, frames the job for the temporary worker and it gives them perspective.

You are probably already preparing your business up for the mad rush and possibly hiring temporary staff to help deal with the influx of customers.

Self-reliant

A lot of companies take on temporary staff during the summer period to cope with the extra demand; on average, businesses facing this seasonal influx will increase their staff numbers by 30 percent.

This is the time for your company to perform at its peak and having slack or poorly trained casual staff to help manage the customer influx is not a mistake you want to make.

Having staff on the shop floor who don’t know how to do their job correctly won’t just lose you revenue during the silly season, but it can also ruin your reputation and the opportunity to gain repeat customers in 2015.

Warm welcome Making new staff feel a part of the team is all part of the initiation process.

Welcoming seasonal staff into the business and making them feel a part of the team may seem To avoid this from happening it is essential to like a waste of time when you are busy, but it is train extra staff with the same, if not more, time, vital that you do it properly. care and attention you would give to a person you are taking on full time.

It is important to introduce them to all of the Utilise these simple steps to help make your temporary staff’s training as quick, efficient and smooth as possible and your business will be sure to have a very merry Christmas.

staff and particularly those who will be on their team. Tell them not only people’s names and job titles, but their specialities and how their job relates to them. This works both ways.

22 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Employees need to know who the temporary workers are and what they can do.

It can be extremely easy for temporary staff to feel isolated and left out of the team if they are not welcomed properly; this can be extremely counter productive. So spend some time on this aspect and make the new member feel connected and included in the team. People will work harder for someone they have a connection with.

Crystal clear

Early on in the training process explain to your new staff what they will be doing and more

Give your temporary employee all of the tools that they’ll need to be self-reliant and a capable worker.

Provide them with all of the resources that they’ll need to work independently; this could mean giving them login accounts to the network data base, passwords, access to shared files, specific phone numbers or just letting them know who to talk to if they help.

By giving them all of the information they’ll need they will easily be able to answer their own questions. Teaching them to be self-reliant means they will get more work done and you will spend less time answering their questions.

Helpful tip

Get in contact with the temporary staff you used last year and offer them the job.

Using people with existing skills and prior knowledge of your company’s processes, polices and culture will save you a substantial amount of time and money on training someone new and make the hiring process much smoother.

News | Tactics

Stress savers

By Davina Richards

The New Zealand Transport Agency website states research has shown a person who stays awake for 24 hours will have a driving impairment equivalent to that of a person with a 0.05 percent blood alcohol concentration. According to Sleep Safety Educational Campaign, Akilla.co.nz driver fatigue kills more than drink. How would you like members of your staff to work in this condition?

The contemporary workplace has never been so demanding and when individuals begin to feel like they’re stuck in a pressure cooker, it’s only a matter of time before they boil over. Stress is damaging not only to employees’ health, but to the business.

Feeling drained and exhausted is just the beginning of what could potentially turn into a hazardous workplace if it is sustained for a long period of time. Poor organisation, poor reduce stress in the workplace and increase management, unsatisfactory working conditions, performance of workers. bad communication, long working hours and lack Re-imagine the workplace of support from colleagues and supervisors are all contributing factors to stress.

The traditional office environment can be a very dull place indeed and can stunt passion for many.

Not to mention out of work related stress Make efforts to reignite and amplify enthusiasm including breakdown of a relationship, financial among employees by applying design thinking problems or bereavement. to the workplace. Modify and condition the Lowie Fatigue Management managing director, environment to help foster talent development Rachel Lehen says fatigue is a common and and drive performance, and in turn, increase unavoidable by-product of the 24/7 demands of business impact. most industry sectors.

“Defined as a decreased capacity to perform mental or physical work, or the subjective state in which one can no longer perform a task, fatigue manifests in physiological performance decreases and cognitive impairment. Promoting a workplace environment in which fatigue-related risk is managed by all individuals is essential.

Promote health and fitness

We spend a large chunk of our time sitting in front of a computer, which means our overall wellness is reduced significantly. Introduce a workplace wellness programme to encourage activity and support healthy behaviour. This can be implemented by offering health education, fitness programmes, providing healthy food “Many ask us if there is a link between stress and options and holding meetings which are fatigue. There’s not really a simple answer to that health-focussed. because we all cope differently when faced with stressful situations or when operating on Select the right person to limited sleep. carry out the task “Clinically, the symptoms of both can look very similar, i.e. mood swings, tiredness, irritability and depression.”

She adds that managing fatigue is a shared responsibility between employees and employers. “Fatigue is an identifiable hazard that we know causes harm to individuals and potentially the community around them. There is a moral obligation and under our HSE legislation, a legal requirement to effectively manage fatiguerelated risk.”

Stress and the rest of its baggage come with the territory, but let’s keep them at a minimum.

Follow this guide for employers to help

Bring out the best of the people you have by delegating effectively. Think about what’s involved in the job, what outcome you’re looking to achieve and who’s best matched to complete the job properly. This could be someone who has experience in the field or a newer member of staff who needs or wants to build their confidence and capabilities.

Train people Few companies do this; the ones that do retain employees who are an asset to the company.

And it may sound obvious, but training staff provides them with the skills to improve work performance. When people hear about how your

“

emotions. Try to see the problem from the other person’s perspective and try to resolve the problem with a solution which best meets both parties’ needs.

Creating awareness and providing education for all employees is the first step. In addition, consider the use of validated software to predict fatigue risk levels based on number of hours worked and the time of day when work is performed.

Provide regular feedback

Sincerity and honesty plays a vital part when providing feedback and it can make a real difference. Be specific and acknowledge which areas they are excelling in and which ones could do with a bit of work. It doesn’t necessarily have to be criticism. Feedback encourages positive changes and recognition pushes employees to improve their performance further.

An FRMS (Fatigue Risk Management System) is an integrated set of management practices, beliefs and procedures for monitoring and managing the risks posed to health and safety by fatigue.

”

Creating awareness and providing education for all employees is the first step. In addition, consider the use of validated software to predict fatigue risk levels based on number of hours worked and the time of day when work is performed.

company offers training it effectively draws in talented workers who see opportunity to grow professionally.

Define work tasks clearly Another obvious one, but it’s amazing how a lack of structure can create obstacles and potentially undo a lot of good work. Ensure you make it clear to the employee what steps need to be taken to complete the task. It’s all in the detail as they say; well defined assignments make it easier for staff to achieve their targets.

Resolve interpersonal problems

Making people aware about how their out of work time activities can affect their fatigue levels while at work is also a very important factor in the management of fatigue.

What next?

If you would like to have a chat about how an FRMS can help you to mitigate the risk of fatigue in your business, speak to Rachel Lehen at Lowie Fatigue Management.

From time to time you’ll find difficulties arise between groups of people. The most constructive Call 0800 627 763, email rlehen@lowie.co.nz approach is to take a step back from their or visit www.lowiefatiguemanagement.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 23

News | Lifestyles

Lifestyles 1. Growing pains

1.

Cot bed

This is the bed every child needs. Perfectly fit for a tiny tot and changes size to adapt to a growing child. The Leander bed converts from a cot to a junior bed by assembling pieces in stages, and the extension pieces are already included in the purchase. Available in beech whitewash and white, and includes mattress, mattress protector and sheets (2pk).

RRP: $2,668 Available from: www.designdenmark.co.nz

2. Adventure begins here

2.

Macpac backpack

Don’t be an amateur by using a backpack 20 years past its expiry date; broken zips, holes, and broken straps mean you’re not safe and neither are your belongings. Macpac has a range of high performance backpacks to keep your journey fail-proof. Its products are made from extremely durable and weather proof AzTec® fabric, so you can get on with your outdoor adventure no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.

RRP: $579.95 Available from: www.macpac.co.nz

3. Go deep

3.

Callaway Big Bertha Alpha Bertha

One of golf’s most iconic names is back, and she’s returned sporting some serious attitude; Big Bertha. This is Callaway’s flagship driver, the Big Bertha Alpha. It’s got a 460cc head with Callaway’s Hyper Speed Face on a 45.5 inch shaft to deliver forgiveness and ball speed. But the best bit is her revolutionary Gravity Core system, allowing you to adjust the amount of ball spin.

Add this to Bertha’s adjustable hosel, which affects launch angle, and you can dial her in to go deeper than ever before!

RRP: $779.99 Available from: a golf store near you

4. Lounging around

Seóra Lounger Classic

Looking for the ultimate lounger? You’ve found it! Made from birch marine plywood with a stainless steel frame, this award winning Seóra lounger trumpets conventional hammocks with superior materials, design and comfort. No tools are required to put it together and it can be quickly disassembled for easy storage.

Enhance with accessories including a Seóra long cushion, Sunbrella pillow, or a Sunbrella side pocket to keep hold of your magazines, sunglasses and iPad. RRP: $4,200 Available from: www.seoradesign.com

24 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

4.

Property & Construction | Total Residential Solutions

Making homes just the way you want

them

Total Residential Solutions specialises in making dreams come true; building beautiful homes just the way their clients want. The company builds a wide range of homes, including high-end architectural, and also complete large renovations and alterations.

The Total Residential Solutions team aims to take the stress out of building for clients and make the process exciting and painless. Noah believes that working closely with clients, particularly during the initial consultation stage, ensures a realistic appraisal of the project’s complexity and costs can be gauged.

“Our latest building project was an upmarket 450sqm executive home in Kohimarama. From the time we commenced our dealings with Total Residential Solutions we knew we had made the right choice. The project was completed to a very high standard of workmanship taking note of all our specifications.”

A stunning new home by Total Residential Solutions

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Its building services include: new homes, renovations and alterations, extensions, bathroom renovation and kitchen renovation.

Director Noah Preston says the company has built a wide range of homes and currently has some beautiful architectural projects on the go.

Client testimonial

“We build what people want and try to offer a more personalised service than the big volume housing companies. We will adhere closely to clients’ individual desires, whether humble or grand. From finish effects to environmental policies of products and appliances, your wishes are fully catered to throughout the entire project.”

Customers of Total Residential Solutions deal directly with the owner of the company, who is focussed on good communication at all stages of the project.

Flexibility is another key strength of Total Residential Solutions, which works hard to make sure every completed home works perfectly to suit its owners’ needs. The company can project manage the entire job, including all landscaping, if the client wishes.

- Sharon Bilcich, St Helliers Total Residential Solutions Limited PO Box 95195 Swanson Auckland T (021) 859 785 E noah.preston@totalresidentialsolutions.co.nz www.home-builder.co.nz

Total Residential Solutions would like to thank its suppliers including Mitre 10 New Lynn, Auckland Insulation Services, and Rylock. AT

SER VIC ES LIMITED

Ph 579 6077

Proud to support Total Residential Solutions

“We want to help make building your home enjoyable and exciting. Working with us ensures you will not regret the decision to build or renovate ” New Home Builds House Renovations House Alterations House Extensions

Free Expert Advice Quality Install Guaranteed Mob: 0274 949955 Email: insulate@xtra.co.nz

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New Builds • Residential Commercial • Extractions

www.insulationservices.co.nz

021 859 785 www.home-builder.co.nz

Lifestyle Concepts enhancing the way you live

10 Blackburn Rd, showrooms at 72 Apollo Dr, Albany & 10 Blackburn Rd, East Tamaki Ph: (09) 916 4695 Fax: (09) 916 4697 E: sales@rylockauckland.co.nz

Proud suppliers to Total Residential - www.rylock.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 25

Property & Construction | Aztec Builders

Building with the client in mind Aztec Builders has built its enviable reputation on a culture of reliability, honesty and, most importantly, quality workmanship. These are the things that have kept its customers loyal and will form the foundation for its future growth.

One of the keys to the company’s success is owner Shayne’s open book policy. He explains, “We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction.

After all, repeat business is gold in this industry and we are fortunate to have developed some great relationships along the way and gained some really valuable experience.

“We make sure our customers get what they want, even if it’s not to the original plan. And if a client wants to see how much a box of nails costs, I’ll show them how much it costs and the margin we place on it. We are an honest business doing honest work, and I think our customers appreciate that.”

Just over five years ago, Shayne Holloway was second-in-charge of a successful building company and had held that position for 15 years. The owner was due for retirement and Shayne seized the opportunity.

He took the staff, the business structure and its principles and created Aztec Builders, which for half a decade has continued to grow and is currently one of the key players in construction for the Auckland education sector.

Aztec Builders as recently completed Point Chevalier Primary School’s new administration

block and a new, six classroom block at Cosgrove School in Papakura is almost complete.

but also for the students and staff. Our sites are always extremely tidy because you just can’t be sure what kids will get up to.

makes very light work of it. I like to keep all aspects of the business tidy – not just our work sites but our administration side too.”

Shayne says construction in this sector comes with its own set of unique challenges and it’s his team’s understanding and handling of these challenges that places Aztec Builders as a frontrunner when tendering for these projects.

“We also have to ensure continuity for the school. The school can’t close because we are doing some building work – every aspect of the school has to remain operational, otherwise it’s the kids who will suffer.

“One of the main challenges is actually working onsite during school hours. Health and safety is a huge consideration. We have to make sure our site is safe at all times, not just for our team

“The other difference that could be a challenge for some companies is the greater amount of paperwork when dealing with public sector contracts. But we have a great admin team who

All Aztec Builders’ leading hands are licensed building professionals and a high standard of work is guaranteed for every job. The building team of around 30 is supported by a full time admin team, as well as a junior and senior quantity surveyor.

While this close-knit team is just right for the workload at present, Shayne is expecting growth over the next few years.

Proud to be supplying Aztec Builders.

26 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property & Construction | Aztec Builders

“Every indicator suggests that the building industry is growing and I’ve no doubt that we will be growing right along with it. It’s exciting times,” Shayne says.

Working with Aztec Builders As well as providing high quality in-house building services, Aztec Builders also organises all sub-contractors from its network of trusted tradespeople, to help achieve the best results for the best price.

This means fewer hassles and headaches for clients as the experienced team at Aztec Builders manages each project from start to finish.

Throughout all projects, Aztec Builders takes every possible step to ensure minimal waste and protection of the environment and natural resources of the site area.

Aztec Builders provides the following services to the greater Auckland region:

School building and renovation This covers a diverse range of projects, including building and renovating new classrooms, halls, auditoriums, gymnasiums and administration buildings, as well as footpath refurbishment, new

BUSINESS NEWS ONLINE

car parks, classroom refits, bathroom upgrades and re-roofing.

Residential new builds Whether you’re after a classic villa-style home, a sleek, modern design or anything in between, Aztec Builders can turn your vision into a reality. The team will work closely with your designers from the first draft to the finishing touches, to ensure your dream home meets your expectations in every way.

Residential renovations From upgrading your bathroom to revamping your whole house, Aztec Builders offers renovations in all shapes and sizes. A good renovation can make your house feel like a brand new home, or perhaps you’re looking to increase the resale value of your house – whatever the reason and whatever your requirements, Aztec Builders can help.

Residential additions Aztec Builders are the experts when it comes to home additions and extensions. Its team of construction and building professionals will ensure your home’s new addition is built on budget and on time.

Aztec Builders would like to thank all its professional partners, including: Carters Papakura, Central Landscape & Garden Supplies, Dayle ITM, Flocon and Rise Accountants. AT

As well as its extensive work with education and residential building, Aztec Builders also offers building services for a range of light commercial work, including office fit-outs, shop renovations, and new-builds for offices, retail and factories.

Aztec Builders combines experience, exceptional quality and a commitment to its customers to deliver the best quality and value every time. Call the team today to see how they can help with your next project or visit www.aztecbuilders.co.nz for more information.

Aztec Builders Unit 12, 46 Hobill Avenue Wiri Auckland T (09) 262 4176 E admin@aztecbuilders.co.nz www.aztecbuilders.co.nz — Advertising Feature

PROUD TO SUPPORT AZTEC BUILDERS

Flocon Mechanical is proud to be associated with Aztec builders Flocon provides a total and residential commercial air conditioning, heating and ventilation services installation service including a design build capability.

We service the greater Auckland area and the Pacific Islands with a dedicated and experienced team.

Contact us on: (09) 927 7632

Light commercial construction

Call Flocon for a total mechanical services solution with experience and dedication to customer satisfaction.

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Ph 09 281 2267 or 0274 841 446 Email office@flocon.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 27

Property & Construction | Taylor Construction

Pukenamu Road

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Baird Street

Delivering innovative and unique homes Established in April 2011 Taylor Construction is a corporate youngster, but with a large number of multi-million dollar projects under its commercial belt, the construction firm has already developed a profile rivalling that of some of its oldest competitors.

And let’s face it, age is a number, not a measure of success.

The company was established to create innovative and unique homes with traditional care and attention to detail and now enjoys a

solid reputation built on trust, integrity, a high quality outcome and satisfaction that endures.

“All our staff are young, energetic and enthusiastic,” managing director Damien Taylor explains.

“We all have that drive to succeed and as a result we are each dedicated to providing our clients with the best home we can possibly give them.”

Building is often a stressful time fraught with time, logistics and budgetary pressures, but Taylor Construction aims to make the process easy with flexibility seldom found in the high pressure industry.

“Our relationship with our clients is really important to us and we pride ourselves on that relationship. We don’t build a house then just walk away and it’s great to be able to maintain those relationships going forward.”

A passionate builder, Damien completed his apprenticeship straight from school at 17, before working for a local company. “My father is heavily involved in the development industry,” he explains. So I have always done a lot of work for him. School holidays were all about working onsite with him.”

With a lot of builders and building firms arriving from offshore, Taylor Construction’s emphasis is on maintaining the highest quality.

“We have a lot of experience in new contemporary builds, but we’ve also done a few traditional homes with a modern approach and some light commercial.”

Auckland’s leading manufacturer of Prenailed Frames and Trusses based in East Tamaki Huge range of building materials Timber - Hardware - Tools Catering to both Trade and retail customers makes Akarana Timbers your ultimate one stop shop Knowledgeable staff to help you including Mandarin speaking staff in store 28 Trugood Drive, East Tamaki │ Ph. (09) 253 9010 │ www.akaranatimbers.co.nz

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Broomfields Road

ALLWIN STEEL ENTERPRISES At Allwin Steel Enterprises we specialise in Residential and Commercial Structural Steelwork. Working closely with Engineers and Architects, we have the experience and expertise necessary to be able to undertake your structural steelwork requirements with the least possible hassle.

P (09) 274 0464 F (09) 274 4762 E sales@allwin.co.nz

AUCKLANDS LEADING WARDROBE DESIGN COMPANY

Providing Taylor Construction with high quality storage systems

Showroom and Factory Wardrobes Plus 9 A Kellow Place Wiri, Auckland 2104, New Zealand Phone: 09 262 0400 Fax: 09 262 2410 Email: sales@wardrobesplus.co.nz

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING SUPPLIES Universal Plumbing Plus are proud to support Taylor Construction Unit 3 /12 Neil Park Drive, East Tamaki, 09 265 1434 25 Morningside Drive St Lukes 09 846 2645

28 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property & Construction | Taylor Construction The firm is being kept busy in east Auckland, currently working around Bucklands Beach, but they’ve been known to travel as far as Taupo for an exciting project.

Damien was recommended to Gavin Hamilton and wife Raewyn by an ex-builder friend who had used the company. “We knew he would not recommend anyone lightly,” Gavin says.

“We were looking for integrity, someone who was committed with a good reputation and who would pay attention to detail. I was also looking for someone who could have intelligent resolution to problems as they come up.

“The home is exactly how we hoped it would be the project was timely, nothing was a problem and everything was fixed on time. We were very happy,” Raewyn adds.

No man stands alone

taking the hassle out of steelwork. “They’re a great company to deal with and we’ve got a great relationship with them.”

Wardrobes Plus has been a loyal supplier of storage solutions to Taylor Construction for a number of years. “The finishing of their product is always the highest quality; they’re always on time on site when needed.”

Universal Plumbing Plus in Mt Albert is another long term supporter of Taylor Construction.

“They’ve got a great sales rep, supplying a wide range of bathroom ware from a great mid-range product through to high quality top of the range.”

Fairview Window Solutions supplies a wide range of window and door solutions. “They do great window joinery, with quick turnaround times and great service.”

“Many of our subcontractors and suppliers have Norwest Gasfitting has been involved in large been with us for years,” Damien says.

LPG and natural gas installations, industrial, commercial and residential, maintenance and “We use our own subcontractors because we renovation work. “We’ve worked with these can recommend them. It’s the same with our suppliers, we wouldn’t be in the strong position guys for years, we know they do a great job and they get to the site when needed.” AT we are in today without their support.”

Local firm Custom Fascia and Spouting provides top quality custom internal and external fascia, spouting and gutters for new and existing houses. “They’ve been a supplier of ours for years. They do a great, reliable job.”

While timber and landscaping supplier Akarana Timbers is new supplier, Damien is extremely happy with their service and pricing and looking forward to a long relationship with the company going forward.

Residential structural steelwork specialist Allwin Steel Enterprises is another long term supplier,

Taylor Construction PO Box 38262 Howick Auckland M 021 0279 1507 E damien@taylorconstruction.co.nz www.taylorconstruction.co.nz — Advertising Feature

HAVE YOU LOOKED US UP ONLINE?

Property & Construction | Chevin Civil

Civil specialists Chevin Civil is known as the “go to” team. It’s a team that, coupled with its civil engineering expertise, has a very practical approach to projects that cuts through complexity to ensure successful results.

“We are quite a small company,” says Chevin Civil founder Tony Chevin, “but we really punch above our weight in working with some of the biggest construction and development companies on large and difficult projects from Whangarei to Rotorua.”

Chevin Civil is a specialist civil contracting operation established just over 30 years ago. The team offers clients a broad range of specialist technical engineering skills and experience, from drainage design and drain laying, to waste water treatment, earthworks, roading and infrastructure development.

The company contains a depth of knowledge about district and regional council consenting processes and compliance regulations, which is of immense assistance to clients who do not work with bureaucracy on a regular basis.

A bonus of working with this company is that Chevin Civil can provide clients with the complete package, from the initial project design right through to project management and completion, ensuring that the design is fit for purpose and capable of implementation from the outset.

Chevin Civil has been involved in many projects during the years and has gained a reputation for consistently delivering on time, while achieving high standards in environmental management.

The team thrives on the difficult and complicated stuff such as with the drainage

for the Glenfield Rd interchange, where it had to work around the main power cables, gas mains and water mains already under the roading and not one service was affected.

Then there was the roading, landscaping and laying of services for the Cobblers Lane subdivision at Riverhead in the Rodney District - made challenging for being done in the middle of winter.

Back in Auckland Chevin Civil carried out the drainage and other site works such as landscaping for the new Telecom NZ building in the CBD. “We were also part of the chaos that was the first series of The Block NZ,” says Tony. “We were responsible for keeping all the outside work organised from paths and driveways to drainage and landscaping; quite an experience.”

Practicality, technical knowledge and expertise and hands-on experience equal a winning combination for Chevin Civil and its clients. AT

Chevin Civil Services • Design/professional services • Drainage • Earthworks • Civil works • Landscaping.

Chevin Civil Ltd PO Box 302094 North Harbour Auckland T (09) 414 4449 E char@chevin.co.nz www.chevincivil.co.nz — Advertising Feature

The window

to your world

For ideas, and advice about our exceptional windows and doors talk to Fairview Window Solutions on 09 570 5271. www.fws.co.nz

Proud supplier to Chevin Civil Ltd Contact us on: (09) 927 7632

Carrying a comprehesive range of engineering supplies including Air Liquide and Lucas Oil petroleum products Contact us today to see how we can help you

Ph 09 478 4520 | Fax 09 478 4521 www.waieng.co.nz

NORWEST GASFITTING LTD

Certified Gasfitters

Proud to support Taylor Construction • • • • • •

Gas Certification Natural and LPG Gas Domestic and Commercial Installation Gas Consultancy Work Supply and Install Gas Appliances New Housing and Renovations

P: 0508 427 348 M: 021 780 449 F: 09 412 6083 E: norwestgas@xtra.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 29

Property & Construction | BioBuild

Healthy homes for everyone Building an eco-home is more than just using natural materials and finding ways to keep the power bill down.

For the team at BioBuild, it’s a total philosophy that ultimately means everyone involved in the home, from the timber manufacturer to the family living in it, is living a healthier life.

BioBuild is an Auckland-based natural building company that focusses on improving living conditions by building healthy homes and construction features for people who care about the health and wellbeing of themselves and the environment.

“What is important to clients varies; for some it is to avoid the use of imported timber in order to save the habitat of the rain forests; others want a healthy home with less electro pollution or stress; while others might want an ecoorientated house hich just feels right.

“It’s about looking at resources and products that are already here and ready to use without much refinement.”

Natural timbers and paint finishes are a feature in this eco-house built by BioBuild

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“There are lots of ways to include eco or natural building in a project,” director Alan Drayton says.

Alan says the basics of eco-building are to create warm, dry, healthy homes using good design with insulation, double glazing and passive solar heating to reduce the energy bill.

Building materials should not only be non-toxic and long lasting, but their production should also be healthy and sustainable.

“You have to look at who it’s harmful to. With treated timbers maybe it’s at the mill, or with the carpenters, rather than the people who are living

in the home. It’s essential to put good health and safety practices in place.”

between the architects, designers, subcontractors and suppliers.

Drawing on more than 40 years’ experience in the construction industry, 25 of those as an eco-builder, Alan works closely with BioBuild clients to ensure they get the exact house they want.

“Everyone’s input is valuable on our projects” he says. “Each of our suppliers are experts in their fields and all add value to the build.”

It’s a collaborative effort to deliver a client’s vision; one that requires good interaction

BioBuild’s portfolio of beautiful healthy houses is long and varied, with many homes built on the

Boom pumps, line pumps, grout pumps, shotcrete pumps and high rise pumps

GFC are proud suppliers to Bio Build 2010 Ltd We pride ourselves on our client satisfaction & quality products

• Roofing Screws • Roofing Nails • General Nails • Gun Nails • Construction Fasteners

LOOKING AT GROWING YOUR BUSINESS?

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Earth, timber and stone homes

Contact us on: (09) 927 7632

BioBuild specialises in healthy building for both people and the environment, using our knowledge of bio-harmonic principles and incorporating environmental and sustainable choices in construction.

We call this BioBuilding. It’s also known as natural house building or eco building.

P. 09 817 7177 │ M. 027 448 0383 │E. alan@biobuild.co.nz │ www.biobuild.co.nz 30 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property & Construction | BioBuild

Property & Construction| Office Design Group

Blending function and form The importance of the working environment has never been so significant, therefore achieving the desired office design which is not only functional, but benefits the employees who work in the space, is a must.

Testimonials

Following 14 years of success, Office Design Group (ODG), established by Karen MacKenzie in Auckland in 2000, has raised the bar when it comes to commercial fit-outs and interior designs which are practical and pleasant, as well as stylish and functional.

“My focus and aim has never changed; always striving to give my clients the best results for their business – no matter how large or small that is,” Karen says.

Karen works with businesses to enhance their space based on the clients’ requirements and goals, and offer design solutions to match.

Forward thinking about the design of your office lifts staff morale and improves work flow, which serves both clients and employer in the long BioBuild built this small mud-brick home that utilises straw and earth, but no cement, in South Kaipara run. She offers a solution that is not based only on process, but is personal, “After all, it is all Coromandel, as well as throughout the greater BioBuild would also like to thank its suppliers for about people”.

Auckland region. their ongoing support of the company and this Inspiring staff and impressing clients is what article, including: St Lukes Timber, Superbuild, The range of buildings include conventional GFC Fasteners & Construction Products and Ian ODG do. The team complete all types of fit-outs from office to medical and dental fit-outs. Every timber framed homes, stone houses, mud brick Howe Concrete Pumps. AT step of the process of interior design from and rammed earth homes. planning and consents, to sub-contracting BioBuild 2010 Limited Alan especially enjoys researching and teaching tradespeople, ODG do it all.

235 Scenic Drive methods of earth and eco-building, and has Titirangi You work with an experienced designer who lately been involved in a new project building a Auckland has the skill and experience to minimise the “tiny house” on a trailer.

T (09) 817 7177 disruption to your business and successfully M 027 448 0383 It also has a number of exciting projects lead your design project from the brief/concept E alan@biobuild.co.nz currently on the go, including a rammed earth to final sign off. And your business has the — Advertising Feature www.biobuild.co.nz and lightweight concrete house at Muriwai. freedom to function as normal while your fit-out is being completed.

Karen says that the ideal working office environment has “Productive areas for concentration balanced with areas that inspire and refuel us.” She adds that smaller desks and workstations and flexibility are always on trend.

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The Mexican-Moroccan style Ohui Lodge in the Coromandel, built by BioBuild

“I had always heard fitting out new premises was incredibly stressful and time consuming but ODG were brilliant and made the whole experience fun. They understood my concept, and then went well beyond what I had envisioned - the result is stunning. FaceWorks new premises has been described by a journalist as ‘serene and beautiful, a true beauty destination’.

I definitely recommend ODG for their professionalism and creativity.”

– Dr Teresa Cattin, FaceWorks

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“Karen and her team listened to what we wanted to use the space for and were left to come up with a brief on how we could get as much functionality and versatility from the space as possible. Concepts, furniture and fitting ideas were all presented professionally and efficiently, covering all cost options. What we ended up with is a space that has exceeded all expectations, is used constantly, will stand the test of time and that flows beautifully back into the main office area.”

– Lyle Irwin, RSM Prince Chartered Accountants First impressions count, so in today’s competitive market strive to be a business which stands out from the crowd with great presentation. AT

Office Design Group 110 Kitchener Road Milford Auckland T (09) 476 2535 E enquiries@odg.co.nz www.odg.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

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Brian: 021 322 448 Linda: 09 412 9528 www.stlukestimber.co.nz

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Suppliers of lightweight aerated concrete blocks and panels.

10 times more thermal insulation than dense concrete with only ¼ the embodied CO2 Non-Toxic, fire & sound insulation. Great seismic resistance and eco-friendly coating systems.

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Buro Seating Proudly Supports Office Design Group www.buroseating.com www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 31

Property & Construction | Pool Doctor

Pool perfection

LOOKING FOR

Pool Doctor general manager Megan Cooksley knows first hand the joy of growing up with a swimming pool; she spent her childhood swimming with other local kids out the front of her parents’ North Shore business, Pool Doctor, while they tended shop.

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“Gary created a phenomenal company and he was a wonderful personality,” Megan says.

Today Pool Doctor offers comprehensive valet, service and refurbishment work on swimming and spa pools thoughout Auckland.

Pool Doctor built its reputation on the back of strong customer service relations that founders Gary and Karol built up over the years. Following Gary’s sudden passing last year, his daughter Megan stepped into the role of general manager

“Not only did Gary generate strong customer loyalty but also staff loyalty as well, which is one of his many wonderful legacies.

Our office manager Anna Beets has been with us since almost the beginning; Jade Pearce has worked his way up over the years to the role of

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and is working hard to follow in her father’s footsteps, supported by an amazing team of colleagues.

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The pools are now long gone to make way for the building that currently houses Pool Doctor, but it was those great memories that in part inspired Megan to join the family business that Gary and Karol Cooksley formed in 1976.

Relax and enjoy the colour.

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The Pool Doctor use and recommend Quartzon Pool Render for a durable and vibrant, long lasting pool surface.

Property & Construction | Pool Doctor

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Pool Doctor has two locations in Auckland, in Glenfield and Orakei

service manager, while many other staff have been with us for many years, giving us great experience and a wealth of knowledge to draw on.”

Paints for their support.

Is your swimming pool looking tired and you’d like to make it more inviting for summer?

The swimming and spa pool experts

Pool Doctor has grown a lot since its early days of operation

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Both shops offer free in-house water testing and advice and carry vast stocks of new and spare parts. The Pool Doctor would like to thank Creative Paving, Austral Pool and Spa Products, Filter Master NZ, Algon, and Luxapool AT

Luxapool’s No.1 selling Epoxy pool paint is well suited to application over old and new cement render, fibreglass, marblesheen and even pebblecrete. Once cured, the Epoxy pool coating provides a smooth, hard surface, which is easy to maintain. Luxapool’s Chlorinated Rubber pool paint has been formulated for use over sound, previously painted chlorinated rubber coated surfaces and can be applied with a brush or roller.

You can upgrade the interior of your pool or the pool surrounds with Luxapool’s premium range of pool coatings, and simultaneously add thousands to the value of your home.

Pool Doctor offers all aspects of pool maintenance and servicing Auckland-wide for both domestic and commercial properties.

Its service team diagnoses, repairs, supplies and installs all pool equipment and offers a complete pool refurbishment service. Its valet team maintains pools and spas, while the company also operates a retail shop in Glenfield and another in Orakei, which is managed by Joanne Sullivan.

These are easy to apply and provide a safe, durable surface for most pebble, concrete and paved entertaining areas.

Transform your pool with Luxapool

Pool Doctor 191 Archers Road, Glenfield T (09) 444 6808 2/234 Orakei Rd, Orakei T (09) 524 2312 E pooldoctor@xtra.co.nz www.pooldoctor.co.nz — Advertising Feature

The largest selling pool paint in Australia and New Zealand, Luxapool has a range of quality coatings for the interior of your pool available in 25 glorious pool colours, including the popular Pacific Blue, Adriatic or gorgeous Riversand.

Both Luxapool’s Epoxy and Chlorinated Rubber pool coatings are available in DIY kits. There are ‘Application Guides’ and ‘How much do I need for my Pool’ calculators on their website.

Luxapool also offers an attractive range of poolside and paving products for your pool surrounds.

For more information visit: www.luxapool.com.au

ALGON

Total Pool & Spa Care FOR POOL’S SAKE

ALGATAC it ALGON NZ LTD has enjoyed 30 years of good support from the Pool Doctor and we all at ALGON congratulate THE POOL DOCTOR on the distinguished and respected regard which they hold in the pool industry.

“I would like to mention a large part of THE POOL DOCTOR’s success is due to the quality and charisma of its founder GARRY COOKSLEY who unfortunately passed away suddenly recently.

I am sure I speak for most if not all in the pool industry when I say what a fine and honest man who we all miss so much and our thoughts go out to Megan and all the Cooksley family at such a sad loss” - Owen Hayward, Algon NZ Ltd.

No. 1 Pool Paint in the ANZ Region

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Also available in Black, White and 8 other stock colours. Designer colours available by special arrangement.

Visit luxapool.com.au for our exciting colour stories.

Congratulations to The Pool Doctor on 38 years of business! Luxapool is proud to be associated with your success.

www.algonpoolcleaner.co.nz

Luxapool pool paints are available from The Pool Doctor, 191 Archers Rd, Glenfield, Auckland Phone: 09 444 6808 Email: info@luxapool.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 33

Property & Construction | Hugh Green Group

A history of helping Kiwis prosper Population and building consent figures suggest construction of new homes in the Auckland region has not kept pace with its burgeoning population since 2005 and, as the region’s population growth accelerates, the housing shortage could be about to take a turn for the worse.

If current migration trends continue, Auckland’s population growth could blow out to about 42,000 new residents a year, increasing the pressure on the region’s already tight housing supply.

With large areas of residential land in the greater Auckland region and substantial tracts of farmland in the Auckland and Waikato

regions, local residential land development firm Hugh Green Group is contributing significantly to the Auckland residential market, developing residential subdivisions throughout the wider Auckland area to support the growing population.

With an additional commercial and industrial portfolio, Hugh Green Group also owns and

been completed in Flat Bush, Manukau and a Palmers Retail Centre in Pinehill, Albany.

Inishfree Park

develops purpose built-industrial warehousing and offices for lease on its industrial land at Wiri.

Developments have been completed for Roadfreighters, Owens Transport, Thermo King, Cummins Engine Company and UD Trucks. A Kidicorp childcare centre and neighbourhood retail complex has recently

Recently released residential developments include Inishfree Park. Located off Parkhaven Drive in Drury alongside the Great South Road and Southern Motorway, Inishfree Park Stage 6 comprises of 24 sections released in October.

Less than five minutes from downtown Papakura and the Southern Motorway’s Papakura and Drury on-ramps, there are numerous primary and secondary schools nearby, including St Mary’s primary school and Rosehill College. The last of Inishfree Park sections are selling fast.

Acclaim consultants limited are an Auckland based civil and environmental engineering company who provide leading residential, commercial and industrial project services throughout New Zealand

Congratulations Hugh Green Group on an outstanding 60 years 199 Pakuranga Rd, Pakuranga, Auckland 2010 | Phone 09 576 3060 | www.acclaimed.co.nz

SOMETHING

CAME UP.

We all need a break sometimes. That’s when you need to rely on your agent to keep the sale of your property moving, and make the right decisions on your behalf.

Bayleys team of experienced professionals will ensure everything is taken care of, even when you’re not here.

We take the responsibility of being an agent very seriously so you don’t have to worry when it’s left to us. www.bayleys.co.nz/commercial I 0800 BAYLEYS Licensed under the REA Act 2008

34 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Property & Construction | Hugh Green Group

Ballintoy Park

Flat Bush

Just a 10 minute drive from downtown Tauranga is Ballintoy Park. Located at the end of Waikite Road in Welcome Bay, Ballintoy offers scenic rural outlooks with some views of Mt Maunganui, situated close to Papamoa and the multitude of surrounding beaches.

Stage 7 of Donegal Glen has just been released consisting of 77 sections to an overwhelming response and only a few sections are still available. Located off Flat Bush School Road in Flat Bush, Manukau near to Ormiston Town Centre and Barry Curtis Park, Flat Bush is one of New Zealand’s largest and most comprehensively planned towns.

Tauranga is the most populous city in the Bay of Plenty region and one of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities. There are currently up to 50 sections available throughout the four stages that have been released.

Close to Barry Curtis Park and the planned Ormiston town centre, Flat Bush aims to set

a high standard of urban design and a large number of initiatives have been put in place to improve the public realm, including a large existing and proposed network of shared footpaths and cycleways.

Commercial projects The company is currently building a purposebuilt facility for Penske Commercial Vehicles NZ Limited, which is part of the Penske Automotive Group, comprising of warehouse, sales offices and workshop on Langley Road in Wiri.

Hugh Green Group also has retail shops available for lease in Flat Bush, Manukau, and design, build and lease land available in Langley Road, Manukau, while expressions of interest are being taken for a retail complex planned for Greville Road in Pinehill, Albany.

With a commercial portfolio consisting of a mix of retail, commercial, industrial and office space, Hugh Green Group develops and maintains ownership of its buildings so tenants can be assured that the finished product will be of the highest quality. >

YOUR PROJECT.

OUR PEOPLE,

www.dempseywood.co.nz

OUR MACHINES,

HEB Construction congratulates the Hugh Green Group on 60 years in business.

Donegal Glen subdivision, created

by HEB for the Hugh Green Group

H www.heb.co.nz

Roads and bridges • Land development • Water and wastewater • Landscaping • Marine • Transport • Precast

“Serving one another”

60 YEARS - NO SMALL ACHIEVEMENT! We at KGA Geotechnical are proud to be associated with Hugh Green Group and warmly congratulate them on this milestone

GEOTECHNICAL

KGA Geotechnical Limited Unit 8, 6 Omega Street | Albany | Auckland | New Zealand PO Box 302 361 | North Harbour | North Shore City 0751 Phone: 09 478 6655 | Fax: 09 478 6169 | Email: kga@kga.co.nz | www.kga.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 35

Property & Construction | Hugh Green Group Further details on all these properties are available on the website www.hughgreengroup. co.nz - simply contact the company to proceed with an information pack.

The heart of the business

Like any good story, there’s a lot more to the Hugh Green Group than meets the eye and, with this story turning 60 next year, there’s certainly a lot more to this one.

In 1949 Hugh Green left his native Ireland, working his way across the world at the age of 17, before settling in Australia to form Donegal Construction with fellow Irishmen Barney McCahill and two others.

While the four partners eventually went their own way, Hugh and Barney carried on the partnership, winning a tender to lay cables for the Post and Telegraph Department in Wellington, followed by another to lay 21 miles of cable around Auckland city.

The fledgling Green & McCahill Contractors Ltd, as they had become known, bought a digger and expanded into tunnelling, sewage and storm water contracts and grew to become a major operator in infrastructure projects throughout the country.

Towards the end of the 50s they had acquired earthmoving equipment and were constructing subdivisions both on a contract basis and on their own land.

KempsWeir Lawyers congratulates Hugh Green Group on 60 years of successful property development in Auckland

If the success of the company during the years could be put down to anything, it must have been to its philosophy and ability to evolve with the times, a philosophy which drives the Hugh Green Group today. The company prides itself in keeping abreast of, and adapting to, changes in the country and the market and this flexibility has enabled it to diversify so profitably.

We still haven’t reached the ‘more than meets the eye’ part of the story yet, and that’s the best part. You see Hugh Green wasn’t just the driving force behind a successful company. Giving his considerable wealth away had always been something of a habit which had gone beneath the public radar. That is until he realised how much more could be achieved in the public eye and he set up the Hugh Green Foundation.

Ph: 09 525 7711 www.kempsweir.co.nz

SUITABLY QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONERS (SQEP) WORKING TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TO SAFEGUARD THE ENVIRONMENT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

”

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES LTD FOR A FREE QUOTE, CALL US ON

09 622 0179

WWW.FOCUSENVIRONMENTAL.CO.NZ

EARTH WORKS DRAINAGE ROADING PAVEMENT WORKS SUBDIVISIONS CONCRETE WORKS

36 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Established in 1998, the foundation became the vehicle for Hugh’s charitable giving which started as early as 1968, driven largely by his experiences of poverty during his childhood as the fifth of eight children born in County Donegal, Ireland.

FOCUS

PROUD TO SUPPORT HUGH GREEN GROUP

P O Box 578, Pukekohe 2340 Phone: 09 238 8241 - Fax: 09 238 8240

“

CARTAGE OF METAL & FERTILIZER PRODUCTS

Property & Construction | Hugh Green Group

At A Glance | PowerCore Electrical

Power to the people Plug in and switch on to Auckland’s brightest electrical and electronics installation company, PowerCore Electrical who operate in the commercial and industrial electrical installation sectors.

Recent commercial projects have included the re-wiring of the beautiful stately Vulcan building on Queen Street in the CBD and complex work at the University of Auckland plant room has included installation of specialist gas monitoring equipment.

Single point of control automated systems are becoming more and more commonplace for office and industrial applications. This demand for specialist work and automated control systems is likely to fuel the next phase of growth and development at PowerCore.

Although the bulk of the work is performed for small to medium sized businesses, including wiring and re-wiring of shops and office units, much larger rewiring and maintenance jobs are undertaken for factories, warehouses and complete office buildings.

Ramy and his team are ready for such challenges in the future, as he wisely points out, “It is all a question of trust with our clients.

If we work hard, efficiently and safely, and deliver quality work time after time, then this will build and enhance PowerCore’s reputation.” A reputation that can clearly be trusted everytime.

Owner and managing director, Ramy Fatoohi is crystal clear in his aims. “Through our top quality work we have, over the years, built our fine reputation for consistent, reliable work at a fair price.

Established in 1998, the foundation became the vehicle for Hugh’s charitable giving which started as early as 1968, driven largely by his experiences of poverty during his childhood as the fifth of eight children born in County Donegal, Ireland.

Right up until Hugh passed away in July 2012 he was focussed on giving financial aid to people and organisations faced with similar challenges. Just three months before his death the Governor General made a house call to Hugh Green’s Mount Albert home to present him with a Queens Service Medal for services to philanthropy.

His vision will live on in The Hugh Green Foundation, the successful Hugh Green Group of companies and his large family. AT

Hugh Green Group 8 Gloucester Park Road Onehunga Auckland T 09 622 3800 www.hughgreengroup.co.nz

“Our customers appreciate our honesty and desire to get the job done quickly and safely, and always at a reasonable cost.”

PowerCore Electrical means: • Dependable workmanship

The company too is on a mission to help educate the market in the greater energy and lighting efficiencies that can be achieved with modern wiring equipment and control panels, as well as solar power which can be harnessed for everyone’s benefit.

• Quick response and call out • Timely completion of work • Pride in its skills • Quality reputation

Whether residential or office buildings, all can be run more cheaply and efficiently by utilising state of the art LED lighting and smart control panels, which can be operated remotely or from a mobile device for greater efficiency and cost savings.

— Advertising Feature

• High safety standards.

AT

PowerCore Electrical PO Box 33-735 Takapuna Auckland T 0800 589 684 E ramy@powercore.co.nz www.powercore.co.nz

Ramy is busy fostering a closer working relationship with architects and builders so that changes are made at the planning or design stage - ready for his highly skilled and qualified team to install.

— Advertising Feature

M.D. Ramy Fatoohi >

POWERCORE E

L

E

C

T R I C A L

Domestic • Commercial • Industrial

Trusted Electricians in Auckland Trust us to get the job done right.

Whether a small or large scale project.

We’ll get it done.

www.powercore.co.nz

0800 859 684 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 37

Property & Construction | MCB Plumbing

Great service delivers success As the face of any business, the role front line staff play is crucial to any company’s success.

And it’s no different for MCB Plumbing, a local firm established by Michael Bassett in 2007.

The company has experienced significant controlled growth during recent years, with staff being hand picked to meet the rigorous MCB criteria.

The business has more than 10 trade certified plumbers who, together with its carefully selected staff members and administration support team, ensure the company is providing the highest level of service available.

The key to MCB’s success is its specialised and certified staff. Its experienced and well qualified team includes estimators, site foremen, certified plumbers, operations managers, drainage foremen, qualified gas fitters and well trained apprentices.

The company also works with many smaller and residential clients who benefit from its experienced and personalised service.

Service and maintenance MCB Plumbing undertakes fast and responsive service and maintenance, which includes repairs and replacement of taps and sanitary fixtures, burst pipes and leak detection, blocked drains and hot water units.

Estimation and operations MCB also provides a complete plumbing, drainage and gas work estimation and quotation service.

From concept to completion, the company has the experience to tackle any sized project, tailored to your requirements.

MCB operations will direct and co-ordinate all staff to the right job with high quality workmanship, while working with excellent and prompt suppliers alongside.

MCB is delighted to receive support from a range of companies and suppliers, including Morton Media and Projex Pipeline Supplies. AT

MCB specialises in the design and custom of plumbing and drainage for high profile construction companies and has grown through vision, hard work and great service to its clients from residential to commercially serviced jobs, employing around 20 staff.

Commercial construction and residential projects MCB Plumbing has been involved with major construction companies such as Haydn and Rollet, Naylor Love, Cook Brothers, Scarbro and Aspec, which have given MCB Plumbing the opportunity to complete projects of a high standard.

MCB Plumbing Limited 1/10 Tait Place Albany Auckland T (09) 415 8269 E office@mcbplumbing.co.nz www.mcbplumbing.co.nz — Advertising Feature

“30 YEARS PERSONAL EXPERIENCE SUPPLYING PROJECTS IN NEW ZEALAND AND PACIFIC ISLANDS” Stockist supplier and specialised sourcing and indent services of; Ductile Iron Pipe & Fitting Systems • Polyethylene Pipe & Fitting Systems • PVC & Specialised Plastic Pipe & Fitting Systems • Steel Pipe & Fitting Systems • Valves

Proud to support MCB Plumbing

Sectors serviced; Civil Watermain • Drainage • Gas • Plumbing • Telcommunications • Electrical • Environmental • Marine • Industrial

Contact; PROJEX Pipeline Supplies Limited 40F William Pickering Drive, Rosedale, Albany, Auckland 0752 Office Ph + 64 09 2139674 Mob + 64 21 618775 Email projexpipelines@xtra.co.nz

• MERCHANT 38 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

• EXPORTER

• IMPORTER

Property & Construction | Trueline Construction

Your renovation specialists There’s an art to renovations that bring out the true beauty and character of a home, but it’s an art that Trueline Construction has mastered.

Trueline Construction is a highly respected North Shore-based building company that specialises in high quality renovations and alterations, as well as new home builds.

Trueline Construction has acquired considerable experience in renovations during the years.

It recently completed a big project in King Edward Parade in Devonport, which involved the full renovation of a large villa located on top of a steep water-front section.

Another major project in Macky Avenue involved a large renovation of the house, with stage two of the project involving construction of a swimming pool and pool house. However, Trueline Construction also has considerable experience in new home builds and recently built a stunning new home in Ringwood Street, Torbay.

Owners John and Taryn Headland were thrilled with their new home and found the Trueline team to be highly professional throughout the building process.

Trueline has built a huge client base by maintaining strong relationships, not only with their customers, but also with loyal staff, suppliers and subcontractors. The team believes in going the extra mile for their clients in order to achieve outstanding results, every time, placing special emphasis on a thorough quotation process, so there are no hidden costs.

“We can make your project come in on time and on budget with a seamless flow from the planning process through to council consent and on to the finished project - which is why most of our work comes through word of mouth.”

Trueline leadership

James Gibson formed Trueline Construction in 2005 and today employs 14 full time builders.

He is involved in every aspect of the building process from the initial quote and meetings through to the issue of the code of compliance and handover. His total commitment and clear communication lines create confidence, engendering a high level of customer satisfaction. AT

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Owned by director James Gibson, the company concentrates on work around Auckland, where many major renovations are completed. James says renovations and refurbishments of older homes require a high degree of planning and expertise to ensure the home’s character and special features are maintained.

Customer service is key

A beautiful renovation by Trueline Construction

Trueline Construction Limited 2 Guiniven Avenue Bayswater Auckland T (09) 445 1496 E truelineconstruction@gmail.com www.truelineconstruction.co.nz — Advertising Feature

For all your Plumbing and Gasfitting needs Call the boss (Bruce) today on 0274 472 742

Trueline Construction completed a major renovation of this house in King Edward Parade, Devonport

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Sick of flushing money down the...

Proud to be associated with Trueline Construction Limited Custom Quality Made Joinery • Residential & Shop Fronts • Exterior Doors & Windows, All Designs, Double Hung, Bi-Fold, Sliding, Casement

McMinn Plumbing Ltd

09 445 2415 minn@xtra.co.nz www.mcminnplumbing.co.nz Your local Plumbers and Gasfitters in Devonport and servicing the North Shore since 1980

• Interior Panelled Doors & Shutters • Matching Existing or Standard Design • Onsite Glazing Service

34 Waipareira Avenue, Henderson, Auckland P: 09 8371833 | E: eurotimber@paradise.net.nz | www.eurotimber.co.nz

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RBS is proud to supply Trueline Construction Limited 35 Wookey Lane, Kumeu

Ph 09- 412 2964

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 39

Property & Construction | Traffix

Property & Construction | Advance Build

A smarter move…

Welcome to a new way of building which is easy, exciting and hasslefree from start to finish.

When it comes to reigning in potential chaos points on our busy streets, there’s one trusted name to turn to: Traffix.

Traffix Limited provides customised traffic control that will make your site run smoothly and safely.

The company was established in 2002 in West Auckland when owners Beth and Gary Johnson recognised other companies didn’t have the flexibility or reliability that many clients needed.

With a total package of qualified personnel, vehicles and equipment for all types of road closure, Traffix ensures that you can focus on your core business. The Traffix team work across greater Auckland on a wide range of projects from roadworks to filming and events, including work for Auckland Council and Auckland Transport.

What started as a two person business, Traffix now has 27 staff. “We actually give a lot of time to our staff - they are the face of our front line and can make or break a company,” owner Gary Johnson says.

Well versed in designing an organised, stressfree and effective traffic management plans, Traffix will manage every aspect of your traffic requirements, from lane closures to motorway work, road/pedestrian barriers to portable traffic lights.

The company is constantly reinvesting in and upgrading its fleet of 17 vehicles and is looking to expand outside of Auckland in the near future. In the meantime, Traffix is expanding the Auckland office and giving the depot a new look. “Image is important, the vehicles are regarded as part of our advertising; they are a very distinctive green.”

Gary says all employees and suppliers each play a part in the company’s success. “We have one employee, Graeme Betterton, who has been with us from the start. Steve Norton and the staff at Buckland Trucks go out of their way to prioritise our work vehicles and provide us with an excellent service.” AT

kiwis

Metalcraft

ROOFING

Manufacturers and Suppliers of: • Corrugate 760 • T-TIB AC • Metcom 930 & 700 A • Metdek 400 A

Traffix Limited 1/14 Culperry Road Glendene Auckland T 021 72 75 75 E info@traffix.co.nz www.traffix.co.nz

SAFEWORX keeping

With more than 25 years combined experience and in need of a solution to the current challenges faced by site builders, Advance Build developed and refined a system removing the tears involved with onsite disruptions, weather damage and budget blow-outs, to provide the perfect answer – build inside a factory!

Today Advance Build is your custom transportable home expert. Flexible in design with exceptional customer service, a controlled construction process and a guaranteed move-in date are just some of the benefits they offer!

• Metclad 850 A

— Advertising Feature

MOVING?

safe

• • • • • •

Coloursteel Roofing and Cladding MSS Purlin System MC Sections Metal Line Gutter Systems Colonial Quad Gutter Systems Fascia Gutter Systems

COVERING THE NORTH FROM PUHOI TO THE CAPE 42-44 Rewa Rewa Road, Whangarei • T 09 470 0870 F 09 470 00879 • www.metalcraftroofing.co.nz

OUR READERS NEED TO KNOW!

100% KIWI OWNED AND OPERATED

• Aircraft Insecticides • Eye Protection • First Aid Medical • Foot Protection • Hand Protection • Head Protection • Protective Clothing / Hi Viz • Respiratory Protection • Safety Signs • Sundries / Hygiene / Vehicle Wash • Workwear

Stunning exterior options

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Traffic management for your site, event or occasion

Manufactured homes have been long recognised as the future of innovative high quality buildings, produced on time and within budget.

Advance Build understand no ‘one size fits all’ and will work with you every step of the way to ensure you achieve your quality new home the way you want and where you want it.

Whether it’s a functional family home, contemporary beach bach, large lifestyle homestead, or a small minor dwelling, simply share your ideas and let the professional team bring your dream to you. Or if you’re embarking on a new venture or require additional office space, modern office designs are available for fast and easy solutions to expanding your business.

Advance Build is different because: • They are the undercover building experts • Will assist with personalised designs – and offer innovative ideas and advice • Your new home will be constructed with unmatched time and environmental efficiency • Build in outlying areas and love challenging sites • Offer complete home packages including everything from furnishings to site services • Maintain a high standard of quality through regulated controls, close supervision and an experienced team. AT Advance Build T 0800 327 828 E info@advancebuild.co.nz

www.advancebuild.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

weathertex

Weatherboards & Weathergroove Sheets

r Timbe rfect e P Madeturally Na

Proud to be associated with Traffix Limited

0800 448 663

Low Maintenance Environmentally Friendly Easy to Install Brainz Appraised No Chemical Additives Tested & Proven for 45 Years 25 Year Warranty

www.gunnersens.co.nz

Contact us on: (09) 927 7632

24 Railway Street West, Papakura, Auckland P: 09 296 8431 F: 09 296 8461 E: sales@safeworx.co.nz www.safeworx.co.nz

Providing a Complete Service to Transport Operators

Aquatica is happy to be associated with Advance Builders in construction of their new showroom in Warkworth.

Ph: 09 818 9827

Service & Repair • Mobile Workshop • Parts

www.bts.co.nz

Suppliers of tapware, laundry tubs and stainless steel sinks

10a Culperry Road, Glendene, Auckland

PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH TRAFFIX LIMITED 40 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Ph. 09 828 2068

www.aquatica.co.nz

GUNNERSEN

Property & Construction | Fotheringhame Contractors

Efficiency keeps company moving forward Fotheringhame Contractors Ltd (FCL) knows earthmoving, transport, and certainly knows engineering; after all the company has two decades under its belt.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the earthmoving and transport game, the team of 23, which includes three engineers, has an indepth knowledge of its chosen industry – even to the point where it produces its own equipment.

Serving the Bay Area and beyond, FCL is a well recognised and respected name in the earthworks and cartage industry, and with a rebrand and website overhaul on the horizon, the team is about to become prominent in the marketplace.

“Managed by a very talented Adam Western, we perform our work in the most efficient way using the highest standards and best techniques, combined with a team of highly skilled experts,” Tom Fotheringhame says.

The family owned and operated company has experienced significant growth during the M69714_Trident_ Fotheringhame Ad_v1.ai past few years, predominantly in the transport engineering section of the business.

Services: • Right of ways • Site preparation • Driveway repairs • Driveway maintenance • Driveway sealing • Subdivisions • Tree removal • General cartage • Metal cartage • Rural tracks/drainage • Topsoil supply and cartage • And everything in between.

transporters, ag trailers, flat decks, fertiliser spreaders and so on.

The company mantra states that “no challenge is too great”. And the team at FCL keep to that philosophy day in, day out. “Team work divides the task and multiplies success.”

FCL will be continuing to deliver its solid, “My father, John Fotheringhame, started the respected service with the addition of a number business and personally carried out all of the of modernisations, including an abbreviated engineering work from the company’s inception. version of the full title Fotheringhame We’ve grown considerably since then and opportunities have opened up, particularly in the transport engineering department, and we’ve managed to satisfy a multitude of customers by producing quality products.”

FCL handle full chassis alterations, hydraulics, 1 17/11/14 5:50 pmfor manufacturing a wide paint and certifications range of plant including, bulk alloy bin units,

KATIKATI TYRE SHOP LTD Earl Drive, Katikati

Contractors Ltd, a new website, and a fresh outlook on its existing market.

Fotheringhame Contractors would like to thank Trident Equipment, Direct Fuels and the Katikati Tyre Shop for their ongoing support. AT Fotheringhame Contractors Ltd T (07) 549 3576 www.fclkatikati.co.nz — Advertising Feature

PROUD TO SUPPORT FOTHERINGHAME CONTRACTORS LTD Gavin & Michelle Crocker Phone - 07 549 1565 Home - 07 549 0360 After Hours - 027 723 3603

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Property & Construction | NZ Strong Construction

It takes strength to tackle the tough tasks NZ Strong Construction can take credit for some of Auckland’s more challenging construction projects.

From the northern bus ways to the campaign to build the Yellow Treehouse in a redwood forest north of Auckland, through to the Auckland Zoo and many commercial and historic strengthening and build projects, the company has pretty much done it all.

The company’s diversity and strength rests in its ability to deliver practical solutions in difficult projects, be it a tight time-frame, difficult site and/or a complex design.

Photographs provided courtesy of www.tileworks.co.nz

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Lopdell House in Titirangi Village had all three challenges, and a few more tied into the project.

It was an immensely complicated and small site on a slope, with other buildings close by.

It involved strengthening the historic building - including the drilling of 27 metre deep piles

from inside a 2.5 metre high room. And some of the most critical work was done while Auckland recorded the wettest winter months ever.

The upgrade included new in-situ concrete sheer walls extending the full height of the building which are anchored with deep bored 150mm piles.

The new six level gallery has a concrete structure. The lower three levels are benched into the existing slope below Titirangi Road. It has barrier-free access, purpose built education and bathroom facilities, a climate controlled exhibition and storage space, and a safe and secure loading dock area.

Site manager Jimmy Corric says the earthquake strengthening of the historic building and the construction of an adjoining gallery was a incredibly complex build. There is some truly clever construction methodologies and technology buried in the walls and floors, but it’s stuff you will never see.

NZ Strong was commissioned by the Auckland City Council to complete the refurbishment and upgrade of the heritage listed Lopdell House,

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Property & Construction | NZ Strong Construction

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Photographs provided courtesy of www.tileworks.co.nz

plus construction of a new six storey gallery building to provide a high quality arts, theatre and cultural community complex.

Connecting the digital and real world The gallery construction was a collaboration between the digital and real worlds. Every floor was different, nothing was standard and Jimmy says they relied heavily on technology to get it right.

“The structure was bespoke with no floor the same, so we would feed the information from CAD drawings, (three dimensional software) into a CNC cutting program to construct pieces, then set them out onsite with

the survey gear based off locations from the CAD drawings.

“We would then also use 3D modeling to find exact spots on the build site for placement of elements of the structure. We relied heavily on digital technology and the skill of our project engineer to translate all this technical data into real world solutions.”

Jimmy says the level of co-ordination required to pull together the various elements and trades in the project were immense. He puts the complete success of the mammoth project down to the talent of the team.

“Everyone did their bit and mucked in to help find solutions to each challenge as we came

across it. The people involved literally weathered So moving away from conventional building the storm and it was the people that got this practices, the top storey was knocked off, project through.” the existing roof propped in the air to provide weather protection to the work on the new Lopdell House rooftop garden. “With the roof propped, we It sounds like a trick question, but how do you were able to keep the structure watertight, pour drill piles that go down 27 metres from within concrete and allow for proper curing. When we the confines of a building with a roof only 2.5 were done, we were able to fold this old roof in metres high? But this was one of the many on itself and remove it.” challenges involved in earthquake strengthening the Spanish Mission style building originally The top down methodology was also applied to built in 1930. sheer walls - these were built internally from the top down. > “We realised early on the piling was going to take longer than anticipated, so we changed tack and started to simultaneously work from the top down.”

Proud to be involved wit h NZ Strong on this landmark project. www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 43

Property & Construction | NZ Strong Construction What makes us strong?

memorable Yellow Treehouse, which was built in just six weeks. Lopdell House and the adjoining gallery and numerous education based projects add diversity to the projects the company undertakes.

“We’re not aiming to be the biggest - our goal is to be the smartest,” Jimmy says of NZ Strong.

And this certainly rings true when you look at the impressive track record NZ Strong has for delivering innovative yet practical solutions for tricky problems.

Strong examples Northern bus ways Problem - How to build a pedestrian bridge over a fully operational six lane motorway?

Solution - Design a moving trolley system that enables safe construction anytime. Concrete pours, welding and glass fitting were all done over a live motorway.

The can-do attitude of the team and resultsoriented approach enables the company to deliver the best possible outcome for every project. In the 2012 NZIOB and GIB Awards for Excellence in the Building Professions, NZ Strong team members won three of the eight awards.

Motat Problem - How to rotate and shift an existing historic blister hangar 100m across site?

Dismantling and relocating the building would have caused serious damage.

Solution - Design and build two 30m long steel ski’s and gently drag and slide the building into position without incident.

When projects are far from ordinary, complex, non-conventional and require clever thinking, NZ Strong has forged a robust reputation for delivering solutions.

The finely tuned team includes project managers, site managers, quantity surveyors, project engineers, project architects, B.I.M modellers, CAD designers, construction support and administration staff.

NZ Strong has successfully completed more than 75 major projects in the Auckland region.

They include the $20m New Lynn Rail Station, the $16m four hectare Te Wao Nui New Zealand precinct at Auckland Zoo and the

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Property & Construction | Frame Homes

Design and build excellence

The company’s directors and advisor, Chris Hunter, Jamie Vallance and Shane Brealey have a combined total of 95 years’ experience in the building sector. Their knowledge is highly valued throughout the New Zealand construction industry.

Prior to NZ Strong Chris, Jamie and Shane honed their skills in large corporates.

Stepping into private enterprise has been a natural progression that has allowed them to harness the full extent of their abilities.

Sharing a pragmatic, uncomplicated approach to construction, all three are firmly ‘hands on’ in the business. AT

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NZ Strong Construction 108 Mt Eden Road Auckland T (09) 630 7324 E info@nzstrong.co.nz www.nzstrong.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Building your new home is an intensely personal journey, and it’s one you want to share closely with the builder and designer. Frame Homes has built a reputation for exceptional service, for surpassing the expectations of its clients and immaculate finishes.

Simon Gault, celebrity chef, is one of Frame Homes’ happy customers. “Building a home is probably the most dollars you are ever going to spend so you have to get it right,” Simon says.

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Property & Construction | Frame Homes

that five percent magic and were looking at a building company that would surpass our expectations.”

Mark Frame owns the company and is personally involved in every build. He is an award winning master builder and licensed building practitioner renowned for his personal approach to the building process. Simon adds that Mark was there all the time. “When you are building, it’s important to deal with people you like and Mark made the whole journey painless.

It was good fun.”

interiors are all characteristics of a Frame Home. Homes that are functional and easy to live in, but also exude a real presence complemented by beautiful design and immaculate finishing.

one of the company’s plans – to which you can put your own finishing touches. “Alternatively, we can both design and build your home for you. We work with a talented team of designers who will bring your dream to reality.”

Frame Homes can build your new home to your own plans. Or, you may choose to build from

Frame Homes will guide you through the process of building your dream home, from

design until move-in day... and beyond. Back to Simon Gault, who comments six months after living in the home that “There are always little niggles once you move in, but a call to Mark and he was there straight away to resolve any issues”.

Of the process, Simon says it was seamless.

“Perfect; it passed our expectations. Frame Homes has delivered beyond belief for us. If you build with them - you are going to get a house you love.”

With Frame Homes you can be sure that the hours of thought, planning and passion that have gone into the careful design of your home will be equalled by the same dedication, attention and care that the team will put into building it for you.

The team at Frame Homes will ensure your home is inspired by, and suited to, your needs and lifestyle. “We will do everything possible to give you the home of your dreams, within the budget you have.”

Aware of the pitfalls of becoming too big, Mark chooses to limit the number of homes he builds each year, ensuring every build truly does get his time and expertise.

Finished to perfection

Considered design, timeless lines, lifestylefriendly layouts and cutting-edge modern

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Property & Construction | Frame Homes

It’s an expertise that has been built on years of on-the-job experience. Frame Homes was established more than 17 years ago and its enviable reputation is backed up with a plethora of awards.

but we always make sure we have high-spec features in there to give people a glimpse of what can be achieved.”

In addition to meeting budget and delivering quality, Mark takes pride in the fact they deliver The company has won more than 20 top awards their homes in time. “I would rather tell people it at the Master Builders House of the Year - most will take longer and have it finished. We don’t do often the award taken out by Frames Homes is false promises.” the penultimate one: house of the year. “There Frame Homes would like to thank: GiB, French has never been a time when we have entered Electrical, Good Kitchens, All‘n’One Services, and not won an award,” comments Mark.

Viper Security, Robertson, Doors 2000, John Jarvis Carpet & Vinyl, Sue Cross and House and land packages Associates, Tile Depot Manukau and Sifco for Frame Homes undertakes a select number of their ongoing support. AT house and land packages and is soon to start on several in Karaka.

Frame Homes The company is also about to open a new T (09)524 0779 show home in Takanini. “Our show homes E info@framehomes.co.nz are reasonably basic to ensure they appeal to www.framehomes.co.nz potential home builders in any price bracket, — Advertising Feature

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allnone@xtra.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 47

Property & Construction | Pitch Construction

Building beautiful homes Pitch Construction Limited is a construction company that specialises in high quality architectural houses and renovations. The Auckland-based company focusses on building unique architectural homes in places such as Waiheke Island and the North Shore, although will go further afield for the right project.

Owner Andrew Price says for him, it’s all about working closely with the client and their architect to achieve an amazing end result. “We look for residential projects that are interesting and challenging,” he says.

Pitch Construction can take care of the entire project, including septic tanks, water supply systems, pools and landscaping. “We can cover all aspects of the job, or as much as the client needs,” Andrew says.

“We’re willing to look at any job. We have a strong technical understanding and a great eye for detail. Our craftmanship is paramount and we stand by our work.”

“We specialise in difficult sites and difficult inground conditions. We have an excellent depth of construction knowledge – but more than this, Contact: Paul - 021 504 266

Air Conditioning Flocon designed and installed a concealed fully ducted heat pump system using quality Mitsubishi equipment for this high class home.

By using linear grilles we provided an architectural feature and with the quiet operation of this system this is the ultimate in home heat pump systems.

Louise - 021 502 009

what we truly value is the relationships we build up with our clients. It’s about trust and honesty.”

The company employs a team of high quality carpenters who specialise in different areas.

This ensures quality is maintained across every aspect of every job.

Andrew’s extensive building experience in highend residential construction, large commercial work and project management, both within New Zealand and internationally, ensure timeframes and budgets are well managed. Pitch Construction has a range of work on the books this year, including new homes and extensive villa renovations.

Master Builders’ Awards success In a joint venture Andrew entered his first house in the Registered Master Builders’ House of the Year awards this year and won a national Gold Award in the $1-$2 million category.

Andrew is thrilled with the win for “Bach 456” in Seaview Road on Waiheike Island.

This well formed “contemporary cottage” is a low-tech cedar timber and copper home with a large palisade wall at the front, a plunge pool, large water tanks and septic system.

“It’s a carpenter’s dream; it’s heavily detailed and the owners were very particular,” Andrew says. “The architect Paul McIntosh at Martin Hughes Architecture Interiors did a fantastic job and I’m a firm believer in having a strong architect-owner-builder relationship.”

“It’s fantastic to win but we’re really rapt for the owners. It’s a 12 and a half year vision for them and to have it be in the top echelon is awesome. AT Pitch Construction Limited 5 Everest Street Devonport Auckland 0624 T 021 030 8071 E andrew@pitchltd.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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48 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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A R C H I T E C T U R E

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Bach 456 on Waiheke Island won Pitch Construction a regional Gold Award in the $1-$2 million category on the Registered Master Builders House of the Year awards

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Ph 09 281 2267 or 0274 841 446 Email office@flocon.co.nz

Property & Construction | Tanner Fencing

The fence specialists They’ve been built merely to keep some things in and some things out and, like the American poet Robert Frost once said, good fences make good neighbours. But when it comes to Tanner Fencing, this tool of separation can come with both form and function.

“We do everything except brick and block,” Tanner Fencing director Tracey Parkes says of the central Auckland based company.

“We can provide aluminium, tongue and groove, Panelrok, timber, mesh, steel, slat and louvre fencing, boundary fencing, pool fencing, gates and automation – essentially anything which comes under the category of fencing we can do it.

“Fencing is the framing for your house, so it’s important to get it right.”

Established more than 10 years ago, Tanner Fencing offers a highly experienced team of

10 who will take your initial ideas and plans, making suggestions based on their knowledge and expertise, working with you to create fencing which will look the part. And, let’s face it, when it comes to your home, first impressions really do count.

Upmarket contemporary properties have made up a significant portion of the workload recently, with Panelrok offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional plaster or concrete fencing, which offers strong acoustic qualities and can be installed within days.

“In terms of gates, automated gates are extremely popular, as are louvre style gates and aluminium has moved ahead of timber as the product of choice, which is suitable for both commercial and residential spaces.”

Tanner Fencing was recommended to Katrina when she was looking into fencing and pool fencing options for her home. “Tracey was absolutely brilliant in painting the picture of what the fence would look like with the house and the team at Tanner took extreme care in ensuring

every detail on how the fence looked was taken care of – there was no just putting a fence up,” Katrina says.

In a competitive marketplace, Tanner Fencing prides itself on strong communication, always turning up when they say they will and discussing the project in depth with customers, ensuring you get the very best product to suit your needs.“I appreciated their attention to detail, the manner they work with the site being tidied at the end of each day and the work being done when they said they would,” Katrina says.

“I feel we got extremely great value for money and were rapt with the result, we have had lots

of fabulous comments about it. I would highly recommend Tracey and the team at Tanner Fencing as they are the best in their field, without question.” AT Tanner Fencing PO Box 128630 Remuera Auckland T 09 522 5413 M 027 220 9779 E tracey@tannerfencing.co.nz www.tannerfencing.co.nz — Advertising Feature

The Access Systems Company is the licenced importer and distributor of Europe’s leading entry automation and intercom brands.

The Access Systems team has combined experience of greater than 20 years in the automation industry.

When designing or renovating your home, commercial property or business get in touch with us directly for advice and expertise on the Access System and the associated products that best fit your needs.

CONTACT US

PO Box 302727, North Harbour, Auckland Phone: 0800 748 682 | www.accesssystems.co.nz

Making it modular With housing development lagging behind the city’s rapidly growing population, demand is quickly outstripping supply. So, rather than building out, we should start building up, according to the Department of Building and Housing.

Nationwide construction firm Mod Pod has just the solution, with stackable modular homes, offering a more efficient use of land and cost of construction… but the benefits don’t stop there.

An innovative alternative to the traditional method of building, modular housing offers creative and practical housing solutions explains North Island manager Craig Nisbet.

“We have a wide range of design options which are both practical and eco-friendly, suitable for urban or rural settings, remote off the grid

locations and challenging terrain. Plans are available in one, two, three and four bedroom designs,” he says.

“Most importantly, we can stack our houses and apartments up to four high, with final delivery in three to four months, for up to 40 percent cheaper than a conventional multistorey build.”

Mod Pod has 15 designs available, comprising seven in the residential suite and eight in the commercial suite. “The residential suite is standard housing options, while our

Property & Construction | Mod Pod

commercial suite is available for everything from 15 square metre backpacking units, through to 67 square metre apartments or motel units – again, all these designs have the stacking ability,” Craig explains.

Established nine years ago, Mod Pod’s modular designs offer an eco-friendly option due to the lower life cost of its units. “We’ve got some of the best insulation in New Zealand,” Craig says.

“Our homes qualify for six star Homestar rating and sometimes up to seven stars. We focus on thermal efficiency so the housing requires minimal energy to heat and cool and we use sustainable materials such as steel, concrete, glass and aluminium.”

Pre-compliance certified by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Mod Pod’s designs only require two council

inspections saving significant time and stress.

Manufactured offshore, they’re also immune to the country’s backlog of conventional building and, with the ability to add another unit down the track, Mod Pod’s homes mean you can extend as you can afford to.

“With set designs, the build process is simpler and easier. Because everything is manufactured offshore, we’re not influenced by wet weather and other delays,” Craig says.

“The ability to quickly drop a completed unit behind an existing house is a strong capability moving forward with the housing shortage and we have the ability to deliver up to 500 units per month.

“No matter the local conditions, we can deliver.”

Mod Pod www.modpod.co.nz — Advertising Feature

MODPOD

MODULAR HOUSING SOLUTIONS Mod Pod specialises in modular housing, an innovative alternative to the traditional method of building. We think it makes a lot of sense, because it offers creative and practical housing solutions.

Homes + Baches + Apartments www.modpod.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 49

AT

Manufacturing & Engineering | Plate Solutions NZ

Meeting increased demand for plate processing A leading supplier of steel products to the New Zealand market, Kiwi Steel was established in 1989 to meet a market need for a steel trading and merchant company that offered top quality products and superior customer service.

Born from Kiwi Steel’s success and ever growing customer requirements is Plate Solutions, whose focus is zoomed in on providing a total plate processing solution.

Plate Solutions sales and operations manager, Jason Mann says the demand for Kiwi Steel’s plate processing facilities has risen rapidly since the first plasma cutter was installed in 2006.

“This rapid growth is due to the investment in new plant, machinery and software on a near annual basis; we expand to meet the ever increasing needs of our customers and strive for ongoing improvement in efficiencies,” he says.

“We have a long term focus for our growth and reinvestment strategy. These are very exciting

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Kiwi Steel chose the name Plate Solutions to reflect its extensive stock on hand, vast grade ranges and a variety of processing options.

processing needs, from concept through to a delivered finished product.

“No job is too big or too small; we are flexible enough to offer small complex components through to large projects that require comprehensive project management,” Jason says.

The new name better reflects what it provides to customers; the total solution to all their plate

Plate Solutions employs a sales force with more than 80 years’ combined experience within the

plans going forward. It’s been a long time coming and we’re very excited to be able to control our own destiny.”

Who we are, what we do • laser cutting • plasma cutting • oxy cutting • press braking • stock sales 09 277 2703 | www.platesolutions.co.nz

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Manufacturing Engineering | Plate Solutions NZ

At A Glance | Woolyarns

Quality at its finest With a sparkling portfolio of custom made luxury yarn for knitwear, apparel and hosiery, to carpet and hand knitting, Woolyarns Limited in Lower Hutt, Wellington is yarn engineering at its finest.

<

Plate Solutions offers laser cutting, plasma cutting, oxy cutting, folding, drilling, tapping, bevelling and stock sales

Woolyarns is a family owned business founded in 1953 by Colin Wood. Sons Peter and Jim took ownership in 1978 when Colin passed away. Both Peter and Jim have since passed away and the company is now owned by the Peter Wood Trust. “Our goal is to be the finest yarn engineers in the world. This drives us to continually innovate and improve,” Jimad Khan, marketing manager at Woolyarns says.

steel industry, including qualified engineers, toolmakers and structural, marine and aeronautical fabricators - all with the industry knowledge and experience to provide all your plate processing requirements.

Woolyarns produces high quality, custom made yarns which inspire its customers to produce unique products; it is one of the leading suppliers of brushtail possum blended yarns in the world.

Plate Solutions offers laser cutting, plasma cutting, oxy cutting, folding, drilling, tapping, bevelling, stock sales and a variety of other services all under one roof.

The company’s main markets are New Zealand and Australia, but it also exports yarn to USA, Canada, Germany, Pakistan, Morocco and Thailand. There are 90 staff members who all play a part in the success. “Together

“With new machinery on the way, it confirms our commitment to offer the best plate processing solutions in the country.” AT <

Plate Solutions has a vast stock on hand in order to offer a complete service to customers

Plate Solutions NZ Limited 12 Hautu Drive Wiri Auckland T (09) 277 2703 E sales@platesolutions.co.nz www.platesolutions.co.nz

Ph: +64 4 920 5301 www.perinoyarns.com

— Advertising Feature

we co-create and develop custom made yarns that no-one else can. We deliver what we say we will, making Woolyarns trusted and reliable yarn suppliers.”

Jimad, who has been with the company for seven years, says the biggest challenge the company’s faced was the “global financial crisis and the effect this had on our carpet yarn sector and the tourist market in New Zealand, which is where our possum yarns end up.” However continued investment in R&D has allowed Woolyarns to get through adversity.

He says the newest product sector is the hand knitting range. “Zealana has steadily grown over the past six years and opened up opportunities in USA, and Europe for all blended possum yarns. We are now exploring these markets further looking to sell Perino, our machine knitting blended possum yarns.”

Next year, Woolyarns plan to exhibit its Perino yarn collection at Pitti Immagine Filati in Florence, Italy. Pitti Immagine Filati is the main international event for the knitting yarn industry.

The event attracts the world’s finest knitting manufacturers, fashion designers and brands, as they all look for the latest innovations and trends. “Presenting Perino to the international market is an important next step for Woolyarns as it expands into high fashion.” AT Woolyarns Limited 25-27 Eastern Hutt Road PO Box 35-020, Lower Hutt T (04) 920 5301 www.woolyarns.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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Visit our website for more information www.kerf.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 51

Engineering | South Auckland Forgings Engineering

Engineering | Metco Engineering

Critical engineering solutions South Auckland Forgings Engineering, or SAFE for short, is an engineer’s paradise for specialist and bespoke engineering projects.

The business is no overnight success, establishing a fine reputation since commencing operations in 1970. Clients like the fact that SAFE provides solutions to complex engineering problems, many of which may be uniquely experimental.

“We are able to understand a client’s brief, work with them, conceptualise a solution and make it.”

Whilst no two jobs are the same, the company has built an enviable reputation for handling difficult work that otherwise could not be done in New Zealand.

Helping keep the country at the forefront of titanium powder metallurgy, SAFE has a close working relationship with the Titanium Development Assn & University of Waikato on thermo-mechanical consolidation of titanium powder, where the powder is turned into solid, high strength products.

SAFE also works closely with Rapid Advanced Manufacturing (RAM) who make full strength, high-tech 3D printed metal products on its selective laser melting machines. AT

Metco Engineering staff, from left, Scott Goodall, Jayden Jessup and Hishan Nasser

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Very few jobs are deemed too difficult or too intricate for general manager, Barry Robinson and his experienced team. “We provide tailored manufacturing and specialist engineering solutions, particularly when forging or specialised heat treatments are required as part of the process.”

If products are unique or difficult to source, SAFE are the ‘go to’ guys, as they can “engineer and make a component or forging from scratch,” explains Barry.

In many ways SAFE is a Kiwi engineering success story, with a real can-do mentality.

Hence, during the years, the company has enjoyed much success in delivering components and specialised products in industries as diverse as aviation, agricultural, forestry, mining, and tourism.

SAFE operates New Zealand’s largest forging and heat treatment plant, for which 70 percent of the electricity is generated by solar energy after commissioning New Zealand’s largest solar power station on site at Drury in April 2012.

Barry is passionate about education and failure prevention, and has created a series of short, intensive practical engineering training modules aimed at up-skilling all engineers, from apprentices to managers, on the fundamental connections between material selection, manufacturing processes and failure.

His passion for product integrity, strengths of materials, failure analysis and engineering training has grown from being witness to so many preventable, costly mistakes.

SAFE is active in assisting the engineering community, playing an important role helping organise a number of national conferences and industry events and representation, such as the recently completed NMEC 2014 Conference (Barry was speaker-chairman), and many industry network events.

Precision parts Innovative engineering and contract manufacturing business, Metco Engineering Limited, has found its fair share of success and collected more than a handful of accolades along the way.

While based in Lower Hutt, Metco services an extensive customer base throughout New Zealand and Asia Pacific.

Its customers include international corporates, the New Zealand Government and small business enterprises, all calling on the privately owned engineering company’s specialist skills in the design and manufacture of precision metal components and products.

Owned by directors Paul Jessup and Brent Greer, the company undertakes one-off commissions through to large manufacturing contract runs. “We’re a one stop shop; we have an extensive range of equipment and our capabilities and processes are all leading edge technology,” Paul says.

“We work with customers and form strategic partnerships. This has seen us grow from >

SAFE work scope: • High strength durable product manufacture

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• Special forging and heat treatments • Bespoke/difficult products • Educational/professional engineering advice.

South Auckland Forgings Engineering Ltd 116 Waihoehoe Road Drury 2113 Auckland T (09) 294 8437 E info@safegroup.co.nz www.safegroup.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Build your business future with a skilled apprentice To find out how your employees can gain nationally recognised qualifications, get in touch with one of our Account Managers on 0800 526 1800 or info@competenz.org.nz

Supplying industrial locks, latches, hinges & rubber seals to the sheetmetal industry

Proud to be associated with Metco Engineering Ltd 38 Paramount Drive, Henderson, Auckland

Contact us on: (09) 927 7632

P 09 836 0964 | M 021 723 695 www.selectlok.co.nz

Wakefield Metals, Wellington are proud to support Paul, Brent and the team at Metco Engineering Ltd SUPPLIERS OF ALL METALS • Engineering Steel • Stainless Steel • Aluminium • Copper • Brass • Zinc (04)568 2309 | 0800 ALL METALS inquiries@wmetals.co.nz

www.wakefieldmetals.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 53

Engineering | Metco Engineering

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Speciliases in the design and manufacture of precision metal components and products

two to 60 staff within 10 years. We have become the first choice contract manufacturer and fabricator for many of our customers.

The company’s success and growth is due to its focus on being flexible and meeting the customer’s needs.”

Award winning company

During the past decade New Zealand has lost a considerable amount of its manufacturing base. However, Metco Engineering’s competitive cost base and lean manufacturing processes means it has been able to win major international contracts.

It was also a finalist in the 2014 Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry in two categories: the provision of excellent equipment and for the provision of outstanding commitment.

“Our Kiwi ‘can-do’ attitude and attention to detail and delivery means we outperform many other markets and keep our customers very happy,” Paul says.

“We can offer FIS and we have a huge advantage of having low overheads because we’re based in Wellington; it’s a huge advantage for manufacturing. One of our fastest growing markets is Auckland.”

Metco recently won the Supreme Award at the Westpac Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce awards for manufacturing and distribution.

Metco Engineering would like to thank Air Liquide NZ, Dulux, Wakefield Metals and Selectlok for their support.

Paul says the award success is recognition for the hard work and dedication put in by the talented Metco Engineering team. AT

Metco Engineering Limited 150 Eastern Hutt Road Taita Lower Hutt T (04) 567 3222 E sales@metco.co.nz www.metco.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Powder coated components at Metco Engineering

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Metco Engineering is about to open a fourth building nearby to expand its capacity and

in 2015 is looking at manufacturing its own products which are still in development.

Air Liquide is proud to provide industrial gases and gas related services to Grayson Engineering Ltd At Air Liquide, we strive to provide innovative solutions to industries in this very competitive market. Whether you are supplying your products locally or internationally, you need to be more efficient than your competitors.

Developments with gas and gas related services such as reticulation systems and the ALTOP™ Integrated Regulator provide this competitive advantage.

For more details, please call one of our Customer Services Representatives on 09 622 3880

METCO E N G I N E E R I N G

Precision Engineering, Sheet Metal & Contract Manufacturing We assist our customers success by delivering clever engineering solutions Ph: 04 567 3222 │ www.metco.co.nz │ sales@metco.co.nz

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Design & CAD

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54 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Focus | Brink’s Chicken

Quality products delivered with integrity This year Brink’s Chicken is celebrating 60 years as one of New Zealand’s preferred chicken suppliers.

Perhaps a brand name not on the lips of every Kiwi, but for sure not many of us have failed to sample Brink’s deliciously fresh range of chicken products since the brand launched and took off in 1954, such is its universal popularity.

products to both a wholesale and retail distribution network. The desire is for Brink’s to be stocked in every supermarket chain, in every shopping mall, or every main street butchery throughout New Zealand.

Brink’s is one of the nation’s leading producers and distributes fresh and frozen poultry

It is the Brink family’s enduring values that today set the company apart. As they were

early pioneers in the New Zealand food industry, Brink’s adopted a core of ‘family values’ by which to run the company. Loyalty, commitment, respect and hard work were all traits expected of workers and management alike. A caring and responsible attitude towards customers and fellow colleagues is expected. >

coolr . w w w

o o m s. c o. n z

Very proud of our long association with Brinks Chicken Coolrooms • Freezers • Process Areas • Insulated Panel Doors Fire Rated Panel • Design/Build • Maintenance • Demolition • Relocation From small projects to factory or plant installations, we can offer experienced, practical advice.

Build the best … fix the rest!

PO Box 202-113 Southgate, Takanini 2246 │ 25-27 Tironui Rd, Takanini, Auckland │ P. 09 296 5813 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 55

Focus | Brink’s Chicken During the years Brink’s has adapted well and continues to thrive, even in a marketplace littered with new entrants and many smaller suppliers; carving a niché for quality product and developing a strong brand across a broad and innovative product line.

National sales manager, Fred Hugues has strategically guided the brand’s expansion plans as both distribution and product lines have grown.

“By launching new products such as the exciting ‘ready to cook’ Schnitzel varieties, kebabs, and a new free range chicken range, we have kept our brand young, but are still known for that fantastic quality.”

Brink’s today occupies a market leading position and a secure position as a major player in the fresh and value added chicken market.

As well as creating a great company culture, Brink’s goes to incredible lengths to provide pure healthy and natural chicken. They have three processing sites all with export standards.

All birds are free to move around, have access to food and water 24/7 and enjoy a comfortable and healthy environment. All Brink’s chickens are naturally healthy, are guaranteed free of any hormone supplements and are not genetically modified in any way.

By expanding the business via strategic takeovers, organic growth, diversification of product lines and establishing a South Island distribution hub, Brink’s has been able to enjoy controlled growth.

Global experts in food safety and quality.

Third Party Auditing and Certification Laboratory Testing Food and Contaminants Industry Training Food Safety, Auditing Skills, HACCP

freephone 0508 00 11 22 info@asurequality.com www.asurequality.com

Talk to us today to see how we can add value to your business.

Interfood Read Group Ltd Solutions for Smarter Food Processing

South Auckland Tractor and Truck are extremely proud to have been involved in keeping the Brinks Auckland fleet "on the road" for 25 years and congratulate Brinks on their great milestone of 60 years in business supplying great chickens to the New Zealand market.

We look forward to maintaining our relationship with Brinks for many years to come.

13 Vernon Street, Papakura │ Phone: 09 299 8434 │ Email: mark@tractorandtruck.co.nz Hours of Operation – 7.30am – 5pm Mon – Fri

56 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Interfood Read Group is pleased to be a chosen supplier to Brinks and congratulate them on their 60 year anniversary Unit C, 77-79 Hillside Road, Wairau Valley, North Shore City, Auckland Phone (09) 444 - 5121 ■ Email info@irgl.co.nz ■ www.irgl.co.nz

Focus | Albany Toyota

Focus | Brink’s Chicken “We have hard earned our reputation for quality, dependability and reliability over 60 years and it is well deserved.”

Brink’s core values:

A real sense of care and dedication is evident in the Brink’s business environment and whilst they may not be the biggest poultry provider, they pride themselves on being one of the best.

• Quality

”We care deeply on three fronts,” Fred says.

“Firstly for our product quality and range; it must be the best it can be. Secondly, we care for our staff in order to create an excellent and trustful working environment we can all enjoy, and finally we care for the Brink’s brand and reputation.” AT

• Accountability

• Integrity • Positivity • Honesty • Integrity.

Brink’s products: • Brink’s Fresh Chicken

Brink’s Chicken Ltd Van den Brink House 652 Great South Road Manukau Auckland T (09) 263 2120 E fred.hugues@brinks.co.nz www.brinks.co.nz

• Best Bird (Halal) • Free Range Chicken • Good to Go • Hospitality range.

— Advertising Feature

IS YOUR LAUNDRY GETTING THE CARE IT DESERVES? AUCKLAND-WIDE PICKUP & DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE Ph: 570 9373 e: totallaundrycare@hotmail.com 145 Pilkington Rd, Panmure, Auckland 1072 www.totallaundrycare.co.nz

Treat it to a little T.L.C

Tauranga 4 Maleme St Greerton P. 07 5411316 E. Office@polyprint.co.nz

Albany Toyota has been family owned and operated for more than 24 years and generations of the Mackenzie family can be found currently working in the day to day operation.

Andrew Mackenzie has been involved with Albany Toyota since 1993 and along with wife Julie, son Haydn (general manager) and daughter Shenae (administration), together they run a pretty tight ship.

Andrew believes being family owned and operated helps put the customer at ease.

“Being a family company gives the customer an indication as to our values; we’ve been here for over 20 years and when we sell a vehicle, we sell to sell again. We want the customer to have such a good experience that they don’t hesitate to purchase from us again or recommend us.”

Specialists in the conversion, custom printing and manufacturing of a diverse range of polythene film products, including low density, high density, linear low density, blended film, co-extruded film or films which are printed and converted into Plastic Bags or Barrier/Warning Tapes.

Auckland 16D Parkhead Place, Albany P. 09 4158590 E. Sales@polyprint.co.nz

Toyotas to suit any and all

Hastings 209 Queen St, East Hastings P. 0800 765977

The family owned Toyota dealership has its customers’ best interests at the core of all it does and, whenever possible, the team also sponsor events such as the Aimes Awards for local talent… and talent doesn’t come much bigger than Lorde who paid a visit to the Albany Toyota dealership after winning her Supreme Award and music awards at the Aimes last year.

As another show of commitment to its Albany roots, the company has registered the domain name www.albany.co.nz which directs customers to its site.

Albany Toyota now employs 67 staff across all departments, including the satellite services centres located in Browns Bay and Whangaparaoa. With warranties lasting up to five years, the team often see a customer more than once, but they always exit with a smile.

New vehicles Toyota is a brand name synonymous with quality and performance, from the exciting new range of Yaris and Prius, to New Zealand’s largest selling motor vehicle range – the Corolla.

Albany Toyota has a range for all needs, from the larger RAV 4 to the more sophisticated Camry and for the more adventurous of us, the Land Cruiser range.

Used vehicles The used vehicle dealership is where quality meets affordability. The Albany village site is home to a multitude deals from previously used wheels and the added comfort of being the number one dealership for car sales in New Zealand. With more than 100 used cars available and a dedicated under $10k division, affordability takes a driving seat so the wallet stays happy.

Commercial vehicles Auckland’s business confidence is soaring.

Many businesses will be looking to professionalise their look and if that means a company fleet, then Albany Toyota has the vehicles and knowledge to help the rubber meet the road for any business.

• Hiace • Hilux 4WD and 2WD • Land Cruiser.

Moving through the gears As Albany Toyota continue into its 25th year, quarter of a century not out, the team is looking forward to exciting opportunities and continued success as one of the region’s most recognised and respected dealerships. For an experience rather than a sale, drop by the Albany Toyota team and see why they’re held in such regard. AT >

Proudly supporting Brink’s NZ Chicken Providing Sustainable Solutions for the New Zealand Food Industry For all enquiries please call 07 887 0300 or visit www.wallace.co.nz

Fantastic service and advice on Office products, toners and inks.

• Free delivery Auckland wide • Great advice on what printer suits your needs and to keep your printing costs down • Great prices on Copy Paper, Office & Packaging Tape, Note Pads, Staplers ,Pens, Files & Folders and much more Contact Wayne | 96 Ellice Rd, Glenfield, Auckland

sales@embassystationers.co.nz

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 57

Focus | Albany Toyota

Albany Toyota Corner Main Road & Gills Road Albany T (09) 415 7890 E cars@albany-toyota.co.nz www.albany-toyota.co.nz

Albany Toyota

Browns Bay 747 Beach Road, Browns Bay T (09) 479 2802 E bbay@albany-toyota.co.nz Whangaparaoa 747 Beach Road, Browns Bay T (09) 424 4808 E wsc@albany-toyota.co.nz — Advertising Feature

58 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Focus | Storepro

New home for smart storage experts Storepro’s recent move to large new premises is great news for customers, who now have the option of fully automated racking, as well as Storepro’s standard racking and shelving solutions.

Storepro is an industry expert in saving its clients money and increasing their profitability through smart storage solutions.

“We’re also closer to a large number of our key clients in probably the fastest growing industrial area in Auckland,” Aaron says.

Storepro offers a huge range of racking, shelving and storage systems, all of which are carefully engineered from high performance steel and tested independently to suit the most demanding logistics applications.

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The company moved to a 3,500 sqm premises at Airport Oaks in September, which allows it to offer a better service to customers. Managing director Aaron Young says the new facility now houses its New Zealand warehouse, which distributes throughout the country, head office and showroom, which were previously spread across three buildings.

The Storepro team, led by managing director Aaron Young

Storepro receives great support from a range of suppliers, including Kerry Logistics, Budpac North Island, and Bookkeeping and Payroll Services, and SG Equipment Ltd. The company is fully knowledgeable in New Zealand industry and regulations, providing the safest, best designed and tested products available. “We’ve grown every year since inception – and this year we’re on target to be 20 percent up,” Aaron says. >

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

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

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

SG EQUIPMENT LTD FORKLIFT SALES - SERVICE - PARTS - RENTALS

SG Equipment combines integrated servicing solutions with highly dependable maintenance and parts support, through our extensive and highly dedicated independent Dealer network.

Proud to be a strategic partner with Storepro

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47 Aintree Ave, Airport Oaks, Auckland

www.storepro.co.nz

FREE NO OBLIGATION MEASURE, DESIGN & QUOTE!!! YES WE COME TO YOU... www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 59

Focus | L A Irwin

Focus | Storepro

The wire and metal work specialists An isolated country in the South Pacific, New Zealand has been built on an abundance of smaller, skilful niche businesses able to adapt to the requirements of the growing country, many in the metal trades and associated industries.

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Storepro’s large new premises at Airport Oaks

“We have also always had great support from our suppliers to which has helped with growth.

We have customers throughout New Zealand but our main markets are still Auckland and Christchurch. We look after our customers and I’ve always been a believer in keeping things honest and simple, and really delivering on what we say we’re going to do.”

New products on the horizon

Storepro is continually looking at new product designs and developments, including improved seismic designs.

“We’re also looking at automated systems for a few customers, which is a big trend overseas

but relatively new for New Zealand,” Aaron says.

“That technology will come from Europe. It can be expensive to set up initially but there’s good merit in it for our top-end customers. AT Storepro Limited 47 Aintree Avenue Airport Oaks Auckland T (09) 275 5533 0800 RACK UP (7225 87) E info@storepro.co.nz www.storepro.co.nz — Advertising Feature

General Galvanizing Services

TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Global Logistics & Distribution Galvanizing Services Ltd Cnr of Neilson/23 Edinburgh Street Onehunga, Auckland Phone: 09 636 6003 Facsimile: 09 636 5967 Email: gsl@vodafone.co.nz

Contact us on: (09) 927 7632

Kerry Logistics is built on the principles of experienced quality people, delivering consistently high levels of service to our customers.

We provide comprehensive & cost effective daily airfreight services ex Auckland to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Perth.

We provide a full range of supply chain logistics solutions: International Ocean Freight Forwarding Customs Brokerage International Airfreight Forwarding Domestic Forwarding Contract Logistics & Distribution Origin Value Added Services Supply Chain Audits & Consultancy Tariff & Trade Consultancy Services 7 Kingsford Smith Place, Mangere P 09 255 5535 | F 09 255 5536 | E contact.auckland@kerrylogistics.com | W www.kerrylogistics.com

60 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Trolleys, Cages, Baskets, Trays, Coat Hangers

Proud to provide Oceanfrieght & Customs Brokerage services to Storepro

INNOVATIVE POINT OF SALE SOLUTIONS Phone: 09 274 0621 Email: sales@eaglewire.co.nz www.eaglewire.co.nz Custom Mesh, Handles, Display Stands, Cut & Coil Wire, Bag Ties

Staples, Paper Clips, Custom Componentry

Local Focus, Global Reach

Focus | L A Irwin Operating from a factory in Onehunga, L A Irwin Limited is a wire and metal work company specialising in the design and production of a wide range of quality products.

For well over 40 years the company has manufactured garden and lighting products, while offering a small commercial range of products for a variety of customers such as retail display companies and lampshade makers, along with a vast array of commercial clients.

“Typically our garden products are hanging baskets and wire planters, display tables and trolleys for garden centres,” managing director Mark Davies explains. “On the lighting side we manufacture the wire frames for lampshades which are then finished by lampshade manufacturers around the country.”

Each lampshade frame is produced by hand specifically to order, using a combination of artisan skills, modern production techniques and staff with a combined wealth of wire working knowledge and experience. “Some of these products are now competing well against large overseas importers,” Mark says.

Yet after more than 40 years in business, many of the company’s traditional markets were becoming saturated with imported products, prompting the need to diversify the company’s manufacturing experience and increase the product range, while staying true to a strong reputation for quality, service and value.

In April 2014, L A Irwin purchased tubular steel and wire products manufacturing specialist Action Metal Industries, long recognised for its manufacturing experience and capabilities.

“There is a great synergy between the two businesses,” Mark says.

“The customer base, product range and the staff are an ideal complement to the existing

L A Irwin business. While L A Irwin continues to be strong in our core markets, we now have a much wider involvement in commercial markets.

“From contract fabrication and the manufacture of componentry, through to complete products, we service a wide variety of industries including retail displays, automotive, furniture and hospitality, and now also sports equipment.

“When L A Irwin Limited purchased and merged with Action Metal Industries, we really did become the ‘wire and metalwork specialists’.” not necessarily repeat orders. Now we have that capability available as part of our extended service.”

The Action Metals product range is varied by nature, ranging from retail display stands, custom furniture for designers, automotive products like roof racks for commercial vehicles, along with contract manufacturing and fabrication of components through to finished products.

For the customer, whether you select a standard product, need one modified to suit your requirements, or require a totally new product or component manufactured to your own design and specification, L A Irwin has the capabilities to deliver.

“Action Metals essentially used the same materials we used, but making completely different products,” Mark says.

“They were known as a ‘jobbing shop’, one offering small runs and made to order products,

The website www.irwinproducts.co.nz has recently been updated to include the extended capabilities offered by the business. While

it is still a work in progress, it offers a great snapshot of the diversity and quality invested in the company.

“We can do pretty much anything in-house,” Mark says. “We operate from a 1,200 square metre factory and office building, with highly experienced staff, many who have been here for a significant length of time.

“For a small business, success isn’t due to the efforts of the business owners alone.

Without strong support from our loyal staff, our customers and our suppliers, we wouldn’t be in the strong position we are in today.” AT

L A Irwin Limited 6A Henderson Place Onehunga Auckland T (09) 636 9399 E sales@irwinproducts.co.nz www.irwinproducts.co.nz — Advertising Feature

DH CUSTOM COMPONENTS Customised sheetmetal & tubular products

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Custom Made to Order Call us now for a free quote 09 838 5127

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WIRE & METAL WORK SPECIALISTS irwinproducts • actionmetals

irwinproducts

Garden Products + Commercial Products + Lighting Products + Action Metals – contract product & component manufacturing + Sports Equipment + All products are NZ made

Mark Davies Director L A IRWIN LIMITED 6a Henderson Place, Onehunga, Auckland e mark@irwinproducts.co.nz t 09 636 9399 m 021 041 2486 f 09 636 9379

www.irwinproducts.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 61

Focus | Fantails Childcare Centre

Delivering a great design A wise person once wrote “The key to great design is capturing the spirit of the client and the essence of the space” and, although the quote remains unattributed, it could have been written specifically for Fantails Childcare Centre in Silverdale.

Set on a prominent position at the centre of a new subdivision at 98 Totara Views Drive, Fantails owner Jan Kiers always wanted the building to make a bold architectural statement and that is precisely what Collingridge and Smith Architects director Phil Smith managed to achieve.

“We picked up the name Fantails as a concept,” Phil explains of the unique design.

“We’ve managed to incorporate that through various forms, including the triangular plan and elevation of the building, as well as the pointed arches of the roof profile which saws back and flairs out.”

“We didn’t want a run of the mill early childhood Viewed from the entrance, the striking roof form centre,” Jan says. “We wanted something comes together to look like the fan of the fantail, unique, a building that would make whilst from each opposite corner, the form takes a statement.” on a more nautical feel, looking like overlapping sails on a yacht, thereby recalling its location in Originally from the UK, Phil had been involved the ‘city of sails’. in the design of high need, low decile Reduced energy and sustainability have been academies, a Government initiative based on considered at every point, with the unique the psychology of the design to bring about roofing profiles designed to maximise natural increased learning. light in the deep classrooms. The roof lights can The ability to ensure projects achieve a also open, allowing natural ventilation to cut holistic integrity lends itself well to the New down cooling costs.

Zealand childcare industry and although the The $1.7 million dollar facility works out at a firm can turn its professional hand to master final cost of $3000 per square metre, a great plans, mixed-use schemes, residential, result Phil says, for such a high spec building. offices, cultural and healthcare developments, educational facilities have become somewhat of “The lead construction firm Aintree Group a Collingridge and Smith specialty. came on board and looked at how they could

make this as cost-effective as possible, adding significant engineering value to the existing design. They were a great group of guys to work with,” Phil says.

“It’s a striking building which represents the brand and sells the business, that’s the overriding aim for what we do. Once customers come through the door, it’s up to the client to sell itself and Fantails Childcare Centre certainly does that.”

“We are extremely pleased with the finished product,” Jan says.

“It matches our expectations exactly and, after being in operation for a year we can recognise

just how well great the design is and how it is standing up to the wear and tear of an early childhood setting.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Phil. His knowledge of the industry and his design skills are exceptional. We’re looking for our next development and we will definitely be using him again going forward.” AT Collingridge and Smith Architects 28 Spencer Street Remuera Auckland T 09529 0403 E phil@casa-uk.com www.casa-uk.com — Advertising Feature

ORION PROJECTS LIMITED DEVELOPMENT, PROJECT & COST MANAGERS

GPOUP

LTD

Are proud to have been associated with the Fantails Development

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P 09 479 1520 M 021 182 2691

DIRECTOR MNZIQS

PROUDLY SUPPORTING FANTAILS CHILDCARE Ph 268 2000 We’ll maximise your investment!

walter@orionprojects.co.nz

Unit MI, Antares Centre, 4 Antares Place, Mairangi Bay

Commercial design and build specialists

Apex Air delivers quality Air Conditioning, Ventilation service to Commercial & Industrial clients.

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62 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

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Contact us on: (09) 927 7632

Focus | EcoZip Adventures

Waiheke’s adrenaline central

The growing trend of zip lining involves an exhilarating mix of adrenaline, speed and nature.

But on stunning Waiheke Island it also involves some of the most beautiful scenery New Zealand has to offer. If the adrenaline rush doesn’t take your breath away, the view certainly will.

Zipping first over a vineyard and then over, and into, spectacular native New Zealand forest is an experience which is both unique and wonderful. “There was only one zipline operating in New Zealand, down in Queenstown,” co-director Jeremy Zinzan says.

“Yet there grew to be 150-odd commercial operations throughout the States over the six to seven years previously and we could see it appealed to a broad age group of varying interests and fitness levels.”

Dual ziplines let you share this amazing experience with your friends and in terms

option for everything from team building to a family getaway.

of safety, the innovative ZipStop system – developed right here in New Zealand – is the world’s most advanced zipline braking system.

Get picked up from Matiatia Wharf and see the sights on route to their location, where three dual ziplines await. Zipline one whizzes you out across a working vineyard; zipline two heads

out across the valley, high above the forest canopy and down into the bush; the final zipline takes you to the far point of the site before you enjoy a gentle meandering walk back to the visitor centre.

With a wide range of corporate products and package deals, EcoZip Adventures is a great

The newly released “Zip ‘n’ Tix” packages up the zipline experience with ferry tickets; “Zip ‘n’ Sip” combines the core experience with a degustation wine tasting at sunset. And “Zip, Wine & Dine” offers an all day ticket, with an island tour, guided forest walk and a series of wine tastings and lunch before being dropped off at Oneroa at the end of the day.

“This is a great way to tick off every Waiheke box in one day,” Jeremy says. “We can also offer BBQs, coporate lunches and full day packages for larger groups wanting a day of activities on the island.” AT EcoZip Adventures 150 Trig Hill Road Onetangi Auckland T (09) 372 5646 www.ecoadventures.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Largest accommodation and conference provider • Accommodation for up to 60 guests • 2 purpose-built conference rooms,

Swimming Pool, Spa Pool and Tennis Court

Phone: 09 3720011 | Email: reservations@thewaihekegroup.co.nz | Web: www.waihekeresort.co.nz

Focus | Auckland Petrol Tank Services

The custom fabricating specialists Diversification and innovation are the keys to the longevity of Auckland Petrol Tank Services, now known as APTS. In operation for 40 years in the Pakuranga area, the business produces stainless steel and aluminium products of the highest quality.

“The company began by manufacturing petrol tanks for cars and trucks – hence the original name,” APTS director Graham Hockly says.

“Then it diversified into producing stainless steel marine fuel tanks, marine hot water cylinders and marine fridge freezer cabinets for boat manufacturers such as Rayglass Boats and Haines Hunter.”

The marine market has had its ups and downs during the years, but APTS has continued to

flourish by thinking laterally and branching out into all areas of stainless steel and aluminium fabrication.

“I like to think that we are a solution-based company,” Graham says. “If a customer has a concept for a product that they require, or a sketch of it, we will devise ways to create that product so that it works in a practical way. We pride ourselves on being creative and spending time doing the necessary investigation to find solutions.”

The Bay of Plenty District Health Board presented APTS with just such an apparent conundrum that was in the “too hard basket” for others.

They required two stainless steel benches for their Endoscopy Reprocessing Centre. The issue was that the bench had to be height adjustable to suit both short and tall nurses and the height adjustment mechanism had to be

hands-free to prevent contamination from used endoscopes. APTS devised a mechanism that operated by the touch of a nurse’s knee and they made the operation of the taps and the detergent dispenser hands-free as well.

APTS can manufacture other items from stainless steel as diverse as refrigerated sushi wells, restaurant kitchen and bar benches, coffee trolleys and cooling towers, fertiliser spreaders for helicopters and signage for businesses.

It will also custom-make fuel tanks for classic cars, bikes or trucks to complete a customer’s restoration project. APTS have its own well appointed workshop with a laser cutter for its own jobs or to provide laser-cut parts for customers who require a fast turnaround.

APTS are currently looking to recruit a qualified sheet metal engineer. AT

APTS Services

• Laser cutting • Sheetmetal fabrication • Marine fabrication • Welding • Custom built tanks for the marine, automotive and industrial sectors.

Auckland Petrol Tank Services 29 Ben Lomond Crescent Pakuranga Auckland T (09) 576 5907 E graham@apts.net.nz — Advertising Feature www.apts.net.nz

www.fortestainless.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 63

Focus | Wastex

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Jim Rickit and the Wastex crew

High rise demolition experts Around Manukau City, Jim Rickit is known as a family man and an active member of the community. He’s also the managing director of high rise demolition and waste removal experts, Wastex Ltd. Formerly a mechanic by trade, 17 years ago Jim decided it was time for a change. After a lucky break, he was given the opportunity to get into demolition. “I was in the right place at the right time,” he recalls with a smile.

Less than five years later, in 2002, he went on to cement the foundations of a company which would go on to become part of city’s infrastructure. By focussing on the high rise

and shop fit construction sectors, Jim discovered a niche in the market in which to craft a range of highly specialised services.

Aside from demolition and waste removal itself, Wastex also provides floor and equipment protection, material load-ins and transport.

His dedicated team is happy to accommodate the time constraints of clients, often working around the clock to meet tight deadlines.

The process of adaptation has remained concurrent in the business as its grown steadily during the years. “Wastex continues to evolve as we take on bigger and bigger jobs.”

Throughout time the industry has seen substantial changes including the increase of expenses such as tip fees, transport and labour, but even more so – health and safety. Jim has witnessed a dramatic shift from the classic Kiwi “she’ll be right” attitude to a much more informed and regimented process.

“Its brought it right to the front of our minds.

Whenever we start a new job, we meet to discuss PPE, task analysis, tooling… It’s enhanced what we were already doing naturally.”

“

Being family owned and operated, the dynamics of the internal management structure haven’t always been easy.

Our lines of communication have definitely improved as a family.

We’re very much team players.

”

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Focus | Wastex

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Ivy and Jim Rickit

Any incidents from a cut finger to a broken ankle are responded to with a recorded meeting to how processes can be improved to ensure they’re avoided in the future. Site specific safety meetings are also a regular occurrence for the company.

Although any expanding business wishes it had more finances on hand, the biggest challenge Jim’s faced in growing Wastex comes down to the company’s core element – people. Finding the correct staff has always been crucial as trust plays a key role in the day to day logistics of the company.

Being family owned and operated, the dynamics of the internal management structure haven’t always been easy. “Our lines of communication have definitely improved as a family,” he admits.

“We’re very much team players.”

Jim certainly isn’t kidding, saying “Our number one rule is to stop working, put down our tools and assist anyone who needs help in an emergency”.

The company’s track record is nothing short of impeccable and this uncompromising approach is also reflected in their annual audit results which are always well above industry standards.

Despite having risen to the status of a true market leader, Jim is satisfied that the company hasn’t outgrown itself. “I’m thankful we’ve maintained a small compact team.”

“

The company’s track record is nothing short of impeccable and this uncompromising approach is also reflected in their annual audit results which are always well above industry standards.

”

As Jim casts his mind towards the future, he stays true to the same philosophy which has lead to his success - “Steady as she goes”.

He remains confident in the knowledge that as the city’s infrastructure continues to grow, the construction industry will follow. “Wastex wants to be part of that growth.”

As down to earth as they come, Jim respects the sometimes unpredictable nature of business and lives by a piece of wisdom passed down It’s the close knit culture of Wastex which allows from his father. “Don’t bite off more than you them to take on larger projects without pushing can chew.” their overheads. The only thing that’s developed Ever humble, Jim stresses that “Business is faster than the construction industry itself has only as good as our workers, our suppliers and been the technology within it. the technology we rely on”. On this note, he Never too old to learn, Jim has undertaken a strict tool maintenance program throughout the last 15 years. “Our tools are about 50 percent of the game,” he says, alluding to his experienced team who make up the other half of Wastex’s outstanding reputation. “I’ve always believed in having the best,” and this is clearly visible in the quality of the end result.

wishes to give special thanks to the company’s supporting partners for being an integral component of his achievements: Early Bird Construction, Ctrack New Zealand, Wiri Auto Electrical and Glenfield Tax Accountants, who among many others, have made major contributions to the hard work and responsibility of creating a service second to none. AT

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Wastex Ltd 2b Mepal Place Manukau Auckland T (09) 250 4017 www.wastex.co.nz — Advertising Feature

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 65

Focus | Gouk and Sullivan

Your electrical repair specialists Gouk and Sullivan Limited will fix motors that others won’t touch.

John Helmink says Gouk and Sullivan works for a range of major customers throughout the country, including New Zealand Steel, power companies, and electrical and compressor companies.

The Auckland company repairs a wide range of electric motors and can help keep your equipment operating at its peak.

“We pride ourselves on trying to be a one stop shop,” John says. “With an electric motor, there’s an electric aspect to them and a mechanical aspect, and we try to provide all those services in-house.”

Gouk and Sullivan’s history in electric repairs dates back to 1931, with the company today owned by directors John Helmink, Graham Gibbons and VikashLal.

Gouk and Sullivan also undertakes work on specialised motors that other companies won’t touch.

As an electrical engineering company, Gouk and Sullivan specialises in armature and motor “A lot of our repairs are the more difficult rewinding and the general servicing and repair of electric motors, generators, transformers and or one-off repairs, where you have to be an innovator and think outside the square. other related plant and equipment.

World Skills New Zealand Representatives - Germany 2013 London 2011 ECANZ Industrial Apprentice of the Year National Finalist - 2014 2013 2012 2010 2009 2008 ECANZ Industrial Apprentice of the Year - Winners 2013 2012 2010 2009 ECANZ Excellence Awards National Finalist - 2013 2010 2007 ECANZ Excellence Awards in Industrial Automation - Winners 2010

Ph 09 276 2612

A staff member at Gouk and Sullivan overhauls a 3300-volt slip ring motor

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office@daltonelectrical.co.nz

EcoSmartElectricians

W W W. D A LT O N E L E C T R I C A L . C O . N Z

66 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Gouk and Sullivan offer an extensive range of electric motor solutions, including balancing, overhauls and rewinding.

Balancing and rotating

The company offers a comprehensive balancing service for rotating equipment.

Focus | Gouk and Sullivan

“

A rewound generator rotor being varnished

<

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A hydro generator being assembled after refurbishment work is carried out onsite

With high operating speeds even small amounts of imbalance can cause excessive vibrations, often resulting in mechanical failure and expensive downtime.

while its specialist teams handle repairs and overhauls in the field or onsite at customers’ premises, anywhere in the country.

Gouk and Sullivan can maintain People power Overhauls It’s the people that have made Gouk and Sullivan motor efficiency by The company undertakes full overhauls and what it is today – an innovative leader in electric dismantling of machinery to check, inspect motor solutions. accessing engineering and replace bearings, seals and electrical components, to ensure motors are running at Directors John Helmink, Graham Gibbons programmes and their most energy efficient. Routine maintenance and Vikash Lal have all worked up through the also minimises potential problems which company’s ranks. databases in Australia may cause equipment failure, down time and “What’s responsible for the longevity of our increased costs. and the United States company, in part, is that the people who work Rewinding in the business and have moved up through it,” to verify the accuracy of Gouk and Sullivan can maintain motor efficiency John says. by accessing engineering programmes and winding data.

“The opportunity has always been passed down

”

databases in Australia and the United States to verify the accuracy of winding data.

Its in-house insulation varnish process includes pressure vessels for vacuum pressure impregnation, dip tanks for saturating windings with varnish and temperature controlled burnout, and bake-out ovens to maintain the integrity of the stator core.

Engineering and onsite services <

A rotor assembly being balanced

The company offers a full range of engineering services within its Mt Wellington workshop,

Do you have shaft alignment requirements? RAT supplies alignment solutions for motors, gearboxes, pumps, blowers, compressors, engines, turbines and more

to the people who work in the company. We’re still a wholly owned New Zealand company. AT

WINDING & INSULATION SUPPLIES If your business is Rewinding Motors or Transformers, Winding & Insulation Supplies can supply your needs.

Including: Winding Wires, Cables, Insulating Tapes, Laminates, Wedges, Screwed Rods & Nuts, Angles & Strips, Filament Wound Tubes. www.wisnz.com Phone: 09 263 4046 Fax: 09 263 4047 Mobile: 027 273 0924 Email: harry@wisnz.com

Gouk and Sullivan Limited 4 Gabador Place Mt Wellington T (09) 573 1465 E technical@gouk.co.nz www.gouk.co.nz

— Advertising Feature

NZ distributor of OZI-SHIM

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0800 ALIGN 4 U

Proud supplier to Gouk & Sullivan Ltd

Complete Electric Motor Solutions

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Rotational Alignment Technologies Ltd

• AC & DC Motor Rewinds & Overhauls

• Temperature Controlled Burn Out Oven

• AC & DC Generator Rewinds & Overhauls

• In House Machining Facilities

• High Voltage Rewinds & Repairs

• Insulated Bearings Housings

• AC & DC Formed Coils

• Dynamic Balancing

• Rotor Pole Refurbishment

• New Motor Sales

• Vacuum Pressure Impregnation

• On Site Services

4 Gabador Place, Mt Wellington P.O Box 14214, Panmure, Auckland Ph: +64 9 573 1465 A/Hrs: +64 9 626 6068 Email: john@gouk.co.nz Fax: +64 9 573 1464 Mobile: +64 27 246 3534 www.gouk.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 67

Focus | United Way

Uniting forces for change It’s a milestone year for one of New Zealand’s widest-reaching charity organisations – United Way. It has been successfully maximising the caring power of individuals and businesses for 40 years.

According to chief executive Don Oliver, its an exciting time for United Way as the organization is narrowing its focus and getting more involved in hands-on charity work, as well as finding new However, next year will see the launch of a new initiative – a partnership with the Dolly Parton ways to attract the increasingly elusive Imagination Library. This also represents a new charity dollar. and parallel focus for United Way, towards more “It’s harder to get charity dollars now. The rate hands-on charity work. of donations decreased after the global financial “The goal of this initiative is to prepare children crisis, but hasn’t come back up. Unfortunately, for school by providing them with books until there is still far more need than our ability to they reach the age of five. meet it.

“It’s also not as easy to engage the corporate market, mainly because governance is shifting.

Decision making is not always done in New Zealand, it is increasingly Australasia-wide, and this trend is continuing.

United Way is a non-religious, not for profit organisation that works hard at mobilising local communities to bring about long-lasting social change. Traditionally, this has meant receiving and distributing charity funds raised through payroll giving, individual donations, corporate partnerships and fund administration.

United Way is currently in discussions with the Dolly Parton Foundation, book suppliers and Rotary International, and is looking to secure corporate and individual sponsors for this project.

Another initiative well underway in Dunedin, but with potential to be replicated in other major centres, is United Way’s partnership with Otago Polytechnic. For the seventh consecutive year carpentry students will build a charity house as

BUSINESS NEWS ONLINE

United Way is partnering with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library

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“But these challenges just mean we have to work harder and smarter. We offer some great ways for individuals and businesses to get involved and our process makes it easy for them.”

“But we don’t just want the books to appear in the post – there are some valuable strings that need to be attached alongside. For example, we’ll need to ensure there is someone with the ability to read the book to the child – this could mean the whole family gets involved, even the community.”

part of their coursework. The house is then sold and the money is put back into the community.

“This has been a really successful initiative where everyone wins,” Don says. “The polytech gets great exposure, the community gets a huge injection of charity funds and the students learn fantastic employable skills, as well as lessons in generosity and giving. We would love to replicate this in other cities.”

In order to achieve the greatest results, United Way has recently narrowed its focus to three key areas: education (helping people to achieve their full potential), income (encouraging

independence and sustainability) and health (promoting wholeness and stability).

“We believe the best way to break the cycle of disadvantage is to focus on prevention rather than band-aid solutions, so if we can affect change in these key areas, then we have real chance to make a lasting difference.” AT United Way NZ Level 2, Villa Dalmacija 10 New North Road Auckland www.unitedway.org.nz — Advertising Feature

Working to create value through innovation and growth.

Supporting United Way NZ Ph: 09 443 3093 www.bayer.co.nz

Contact us on: (09) 927 7632

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Dolly Parton and United Way chief executive Don Oliver

We are proud to work with United Way, to ensure charities throughout Otago benefit from the funds we have raised through our annual Charity House auction.

J01956

68 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Focus | Buy New Zealand Made

Healthy Pets Happy People

Newflands products are the best help for your pets for maintaining their well being, their healthy immune systems and to help support their treatment if they have arthritis, itchy flaky or scratchy skin conditions or heart problems.

<

Buy NZ Made’s Food Show stand in Auckland

The best thing you can do for our economy What started out in 1988 as a year long promotion has now been running for more than a quarter of a century.

brand. Basically, if your product carries the kiwi trademark, your customers can be certain they’re buying local.

The Buy NZ Made Campaign, encouraging people to buy and sell New Zealand made products, has proven a startling success – probably due to the fact we all recognise how vital supporting locally made products is to our economy.

Connect and exchange Join Buy NZ Made and automatically gain access to networking opportunities with more than 1,000 manufacturers and retailers. You’ll also gain exposure to customers who go to the Buy NZ Made website specifically looking for NZ made goods… all available in one handy marketplace. AT

Drive traffic Gain traffic to your website and sell goods online by linking your profile page on buynz.org. nz to your website’s shopping cart.

<

Behind the scenes on the Clever Kiwis photo shoot at CS for Doors in Auckland

The strength of the brand When you buy a New Zealand product you’re not only buying great, high quality goods, you’re • A recent research concluded that more promoting growth, sustainability, creating job than 90 percent of New Zealand consumers opportunities, strengthening communities and consider whether a product is made in New allowing New Zealand to enter the world stage Zealand during their purchasing decision as exporters.

• A 2014 survey in Shanghai rated New Zealand as the country that Chinese consumers are In 2001 the Employers and Manufacturers most comfortable buying food from – the Federations merged to become BusinessNZ and preference for New Zealand food was took ownership of the Buy NZ Made Campaign. based around trust, quality and the clean, From the outset, the local economy has been unpolluted environment at the heart of Buy NZ Made with a focus on supporting workers and industries in • New Zealand ranked 17th in a large 2014 New Zealand. global study of Country of Origin brand strength. The research measured the th To celebrate its 25 anniversary last year, Buy importance of origin in purchasing decisions NZ Made initiated its own People’s Choice • People are now more aware of the origin of a Awards, which were created with the aim of product and the ethics used behind producing celebrating New Zealand product excellence and that product. Consumers expect good to be to showcase the range and quality of locally made properly and issues such as where a made goods. The initiative gave exposure to product is made and whether or not it is fair more than 190 kiwi products and was effective trade are now more important than ever. in reminding the public about just how much is made right here.

Membership and the licence to use the ‘kiwi in the triangle’ logo is open to anyone who A range of other activities have been run by manufactures or sells New Zealand made Buy NZ Made since to keep up the momentum, according to PR and marketing executive Scott products and services. Shoppers can be kept Willson. “There is always something happening up to date with the latest news and specials on to promote locally made goods, including trade New Zealand Made goods just by signing up at show attendance, regular press coverage and a buynz.org.nz variety of promotions online and via social media.

“Right now we are working on a 12 Days of Christmas initiative, designed to showcase a range of NZ Made Christmas gift ideas.”

Membership benefits

Double your brand power The iconic ‘kiwi in the triangle’ logo is a great marketing tool for businesses. It provides a unique selling point and adds value to your own

Newflands Pet Supplements and Pet Health Treats include Omega Oil, Hoki Oil with Manuka Honey, Hoki Fish and Sausages.

They are all Top Quality, Human Grade, made in New Zealand. Available at all leading Veterinary clinics and pet nutritionists.

Buy NZ Made fast facts • Established in 1988 • Is a great marketing tool bringing significant benefits to businesses • Is a wholly owned subsidiary of Business New Zealand • Owns the trademark of the iconic Kiwi in the Triangle logo, encouraging people to Buy NZ Made • Has a website which includes a member directory listing and a portal for members to order logo labelling merchandise and download the artwork • Kiwi in the Triangle logo is recognised by more than 90 percent of Kiwis • buynz.org.nz website with a focus on helping members sell their goods online, drive traffic and increase networks, relationship building and interaction.

Christmas Special Buy 1 50ml Newflands Hoki Oil and get your 2nd one Free (including Free NZ delivery) A great idea for Christmas gifts.

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Buy New Zealand Made Level 6, Lumley House 3-7 Hunter Street Wellington T (04) 496 6557 www.buynz.org.nz

— Advertising Feature

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 69

Focus | Hauraki Panel & Paint

Auckland-wide vehicle repairs From private cars to company fleets, owners need assurance that if one of their vehicles is involved in an accident, the repair will be done quickly and to a high standard, and will be back on the road with the minimum inconvenience.

This is exactly what Hauraki Panel and Paint delivers. The business has a reputation built on quality and service; just see the walls of any of the five Auckland workshops for the company’s mission statement which underwrites its commitment to professionalism.

Corporate fleets

With a company fleet comes corporate image, upkeep and maintenance, which can be tricky with multiple vehicles operating across the

busy Auckland roads. Fortunately Hauraki Panel and Paint has locations conveniently placed all around Auckland which certainly helps when a cross-town incident occurs.

Time off the road is critical for large scale enterprises, such as corporates, sales teams, company service vehicles – so the ability to

be within a close radius to a panel beating and paint shop is invaluable.

our repairs are done within a two day cycle.”

Approved by all major insurers, on all makes of car, Hauraki Panel and Paint produce quality As general manager Greg Joynt says, “We’re located all around the city which makes it easy if repairs without the hassle and headache a fleet car has an accident. Depending on where associated with many panel beating workshops. the car or driver is located they can pop into any They also acknowledge the network of great one of our five stores. Once authorised, most of suppliers seen on these pages that make

597 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland

Novus are pleased to be associated with Hauraki Panel and Paint

0800 103 535

The team at Otbury Refinish Solutions are proud to be supporting Hauraki Paint & Panel

We wish the team all the very best for the future T. 09 633 4920 | F. 09 636 9751 | www.otbury.co.nz 70 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Focus | Hauraki Panel & Paint it possible. The pristine workshops reflect the care and attention typified by owner Alan Le Noel’s vision for panel and paint shops.

“We looked at what frustrated customers about other body shops and decided to do it differently,” he says. “We have clean, bright welcoming premises. We’re organised so that customers get their car back exactly when they expect. We even lend them a late model relief car and text them to let them know how the work is going.” AT

Services: • Free advice and help with insurance claims • Free no obligation estimate • Fast turn around and completion dates • All work fully guaranteed • Free pickup and delivery • Quality late model relief cars • Authorised repairer for Toyota, Holden, Suzuki, Hyundai.

Hauraki Panel and Paint Glenfield, Birkenhead, Parnell, Mt Wellington and Manurewa T 0508 CAR DOCTOR (0508 227 362) E admin@haurakipanel.co.nz www.haurakipanel.co.nz

Brazilian Cheese Bread and Brazilian Chicken Delight

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Testimonial “Big thank you to Marc and the team at Hauraki Panel and Paint Glenfield for doing an amazing job fixing my car! I had my car damaged by another panel beater and these guys fixed it up perfectly! So thrilled to get it back today...Not only does the bumper repair look amazing but my whole car is spotless inside and out! Thank you so much!”

- Tiff and Tim (FairGo)

Focus | Durello Traditional Brazilian Foods

Famous Brazilian delights

In April 2014, the company moved to larger premises in Albany and special machinery was imported from Brazil to produce their Cheese Bread and the Chicken Delights. The business now produces around 45,000 savouries a month after only a year of operation.

— Advertising Feature Durello has already picked up two prestigious In just one year the husband and wife duo awards for its Brazilian Cheese Bread and have seen business in their Durello Traditional Brazilian Chicken Delight, winning the Fine Brazilian Foods soar on the back of Foods Finalist Award 2014 and the New selling two award-winning products born Zealand Food Award, Convenience straight from family tradition.

Category 2014.

Barbara says in early of 2015 they They moved to New Zealand from Brazil in intend to launch a new product and have 2008 with literally 10 suitcases and four eight products which will be launched during children, and established Durello Traditional Brazilian Foods in November 2013 in Auckland. the coming years. She says that due to the growth they work many over hours and Brazilian Cheese Bread is made using that persistence and passion are the main special imported Brazilian flour and selected ingredients for success.

New Zealand ingredients. It is a new and exotic Marcelo’s mother, Neide, says even after 50 snack on the local market, sold in several years of traditional Brazilian cooking, she is stores, supermarkets, cafés and restaurants, always learning new ways, but is constantly and is on the menu of several hotel bars amazed to see how her homemade recipes are and restaurants. able to captivate so many different food lovers, Brazilian Chicken Delight or Coxinha in different parts of the world. Maybe it’s (pronounced ‘ko-sheen-ya’), as it is known because “Her recipes start in her heart”. AT in Brazil, is another taste sensation from the Durello Traditional Brazilian Foods Durello range and is the most famous 9C Lovell Court Brazilian savoury.

PROUD TO SUPPORT HAURAKI PANEL AND PAINT GROUP Rosedale Production started in a small commercial Auckland kitchen where every single cheese bread was M 021 0264 3850 (Barbara) rolled by hand, but after six weeks Marcelo M 021 91 7771 (Marcelo) and Barbara had to re-structure as the orders barbara@durello.co.nz kept on coming in and they weren’t able to keep marcelo@durello.co.nz www.durello.co.nz — Advertising Feature up rolling the cheese bread by hand.

All around the country Kiwis are falling in love with special culinary treats to die for and its all thanks to Marcelo Menoita and Barbara Scholten.

North Harbour

CONGRATULATIONS TO DURELLO! PHONE. 0800 408 895 www.northharbour.co.nz

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www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 71

Initiatives | Service Foods

Service Foods increases its capacity Service Foods Limited’s brand new fresh division opened on December 1 and provides customers an even greater range of product choices.

“By processing in-house we can customise requirements for our clients and ensure we deliver the freshest quality possible.”

The division is the latest development within the 20 year old company and involves the construction of a new 3,000 sqm building adjacent to its existing 5,000 sqm premises in Saleyards Road, Otahuhu.

Aneil says the produce division will increase Service Foods’ capacity considerably and provide a one stop shop solution to its clients.

“The whole team is service orientated; we go out of our way for our customers to source products that others give up on.”

Service Foods is one of New Zealand’s largest privately owned and operated food service distribution businesses, supplying a wide range of customers including hotels, QSRs, restaurants, cafés and manufacturers.

Huge range of local and imported goods

Its range of products includes dry, frozen, chilled, fresh seafood, imported foods, with fresh produce and butchery being the latest addition to the range.

Service Foods imports a good portion of its product range directly in order to keep prices down.

New fresh foods division

“We import a wide range of products from around the world, which gives our customers a wider more competitive product offer.”

Service Foods is working to expand its reach across New Zealand from its two locations in Auckland and Christchurch. The company has acquired many businesses in recent years The division includes its own butchery, where fresh meat will be cut to order from the carcass as part of its growth strategy, with further daily. It will contain a custom built fresh produce acquisitions planned in the future. operation which will source and supply a wide It currently covers Auckland, the Waikato and range of fruit and vegetables. Fresh fish will also Canterbury by truck and other regions be caught and processed daily. by freight.

Director Aneil Balar says while Service Foods has experienced huge growth during the past 10 years, with staff numbers rising from 10 to 150 during 2014, the new fresh foods division is one of its biggest developments.

UNITED FISHERIES LTD We Produce and Supply Premium Seafood Products

T: 03 343 0587 mail@unitedfisheries.co.nz 50 - 58 Parkhouse Road P.O.Box 11288 Sockburn Christchurch 8443

www.unitedfisheries.co.nz

Shaved/sliced meats Bacon Bulk hams Our flavoursome products are known throughout the country thanks to our pioneering honey cured and natural wood smoking processes.

Phone: +64 (6) 379 6701 Freephone: 0800 506 701

enquiry@premierbeehive.co.nz www.premierbeehive.co.nz

Beehive Middle Bacon BLAT

72 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Initiatives | Service Foods

7 REASONS

WHY YOU SHOULD FEED CANIDAE ALL

NATURAL DOG FOOD AND FELIDAE CAT FOOD

Service Foods Limited would like to thank the following companies for their support: United Fisheries, Auckland Fish Market, Premier Beehive, Automotive Supplies, Barnes Oysters, New Zealand King Salmon, George Weston Foods and KPMG. Director Aneil Balar says Service Foods’ proactive and competitive operation has ensured its success will be ongoing. AT

Service Foods Limited 17 Saleyards Road Otahuhu Auckland T (09) 258 5010 www.servicefoods.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Wild, natural, fresh and delectable.

The taste of Barnes Wild Bluff Oysters is like no other.

www.barnesoysters.co.nz

Ph: 0800 725 666 | www.kingsalmon.co.nz

1.

NZ’s most cost effective premium brand available.

Up to 38% cheaper

2.

No Wheat, Corn, Soy or Grain fillers.

These are the main contributors to allergies.

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CALL FOR A FREE SAMPLE PACK! More detailed information available visit www.canidae.co.nz or freephone 0800 101 729. www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 73

Initiatives| Lifestyle Yachts

Initiatives | Stoney Ridge

The solid choice Specialising in the manufacture and installation of high quality concrete products, Stoney Ridge is everything you need: local, on call, on time and on task.

The premium range uses moulds sourced from as far afield as England and Europe, producing period style pavers from chateaux and classic town and country houses. The range of stylish pavers will create a seamless and contemporary look for a courtyard, driveway or path to enhance the features of your home and garden.

Brett speaks highly of his small but capable team, adding that everyone has an extremely strong work ethic. “We are mostly manufacturing onsite, which means a lot of man hours for a contracted price, and long hours to keep on top of work loads.”

Now, with 30 years of knowledge and experience in manufacturing on difficult sites, Stoney Ridge has advanced its equipment and has the know-how and understanding to execute Stoney Ridge would like to thank Oasis Clearwater and Waiheke Ready Mix for their any project, including upgrading/maintaining ongoing support. AT water tank sewage systems or water pumps.

“We also manufacture a unique range of paving stones for Waiheke and deliver these around the nation,” Brett says.

Stoney Ridge Ltd For the last three years the company has spent a 30 Erua Rd month manufacturing water tanks in Uganda for Ostend Waiheke Island Watoto orphanages and trained and equipped T (09) 372 6520 nationals to continue manufacturing tanks.

M 0274 861 956 - Brett McDonald The latest developments for the company are M 0274 890 604 - Mark Bright new cobblestone pavers, new concrete drains, E info@stoneyridge.co.nz a new 26,000 litre water tank mould and a new www.stoneyridge.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Formerly Brett McDonald Concrete Products Ltd

Serving Waiheke since 1983 Sewage Systems Water Tanks Proud to support Stoney Ridge Vineyard

The Toi Toi - based on a sailing cat hull design

<

In 1983 Brett McDonald established Concrete Products Ltd in Waiheke Island and in 2011 changed the business name to Stoney Ridge Ltd. When the company first started it built concrete water tanks onsite with one set of moulds, a J1 Bedford truck and a small concrete mixer.

wastewater system design. The wide range of desirable concrete pavers is suitable for many landscapes.

Sailing away It’s that time of year when Aucklanders head for the ocean and if you’re feeling in any way nautical by nature, then Lifestyle Yachts should be one of your first ports of call.

Established in 2002 by Aaron Beattie, Lifestyle Yachts offers full boat building services including new builds, maintenance, repairs, alterations, painting and antifouling, and insurance work.

Aaron started his boat building career in 1989 with Terry Bailey Boat Builders when he was just 16.

Originally based in Auckland, the business relocated in 2004. “Moving out of Auckland in 2004 into our own shed, on our own property, let me cut costs dramatically, which I can then pass on to the owners to make builds more affordable, bringing clients’ dream boats within their grasp.” For the past nine years Lifestyle Yachts has been working closely with the renowned New Zealand catamaran designer, Ron Given and have built five boats with him.

Myrddin is an 11 metre power catamaran which

Pavers 102 Ostend Road Waiheke Island 1081

Contact

Phone: 09 372 8061 Fax: 09 372 2214

30 Erua Road, Ostend 372 6520 - Office/Yard 0274 861 956 - Brett McDonald info@stoneyridge.co.nz

www.stoneyridge.co.nz

The team’s latest build is a 50ft sailing trimaran which is to be used as a passenger cargo boat for the outer island communities of Tonga.

The build is being run by charity trust, the Talanoa and Development Project. “The whole project is being funded with donations from all over the world and as far away as Alaska.

The construction is in timber, plywood and fibreglass so that the local communities can maintain the vessel themselves without needing to higher outside help.”

Yachts would like to thank the support of BBS Timbers and Tenob Wholesale Marine.

Lifestyle Yachts would like to thank the support of BBS Timbers and Tenob Wholesale Marine. AT Lifestyle Yachts Ltd 51 Moehau Street Pipiroa Ngatea, 3597 T (07) 867 8337 E lifestyleyachts@xtra.co.nz www.lifestyle-yachts.co.nz — Advertising Feature

ers ber Suppli im T t s li ia Your Spec

Concrete Products

Pumps & Filteration

is the last boat built and showcased at the Auckland On Water Boat Show.

For Quality Supplies of: Cedar • Weatherboards • Fascia & Mouldings • TG&V Panelling Dressed Boards Joinery Stock • Kwila / Vitex Decking • Specialist Timbers American Oak • French Oak • Beams T&G FLOORING — VENEER BOARD — MARINE PLY — RADIATA PLYWOOD Visit our g n WHG floorim showroo

27 Kioreroa Rd, Whangarei Ph: 09 438 9358 - 0800 227 862 Email: office@bbstimbers.co.nz

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Lifestyle Yachts

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Boat Building, Repairs, Maintenance, Alterations.

Specialising in Multi-Hull Builds 027 2327962 lifestyleyachts@xtra.co.nz www.lifestyle-yachts.co.nz 74 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Specialist Marine Importer & Distributor Ph: 09 273 9180, Fax: 09 273 9185 Em: danny@tenob.co.nz or orders@tenob.co.nz www.marinedirect.co.nz www.tenob.co.nz

Initiatives | Bricon Engineering Group

Delivering mechanical synergy Seeing a mechanical engineering synergy between his two companies has led Chris Welch to brand Bricon Engineering and The Trailer Shop together as the Bricon Engineering Group.

Bricon Engineering NZ has been in operation for more than 40 years. They are specialists in the remanufacture and repair of steering rack ends and suspension and steering components, including tie rod ends/ball joint remanufacture and engine mount remanufacture. The company’s work saves its automotive industry clients substantial time and money, allowing vehicles to get back into operation quickly and at anything up to a third of the cost of replacement parts.

“A client simply needs to remove the worn part from a vehicle and courier it to us for repair or remanufacture to ‘as new’ standard,” Chris says.

“We can often incorporate improvements we have developed over the years ensuring maximum life for the part and safety of operation. Our work is Land Transport Authority approved for all vehicles, including heavy goods, commercial, service and passenger vehicles. We have even worked on cranes and container lifts.

Bricon Engineering Group’s Services • Engine mounts and gearbox mounts • Tie road ends and ball joints • Steering rack joints and suspension arms • Sale of Dunbier and Kea trailers • Repair of trailers, caravans and camper vans.

“Because clients send the parts in to us and we don’t have to have the complete vehicle here at our machine shop, we are able to provide our services all across New Zealand and even to the Pacific Islands.”

Part repair for four wheel drive vehicles is another Bricon Engineering speciality, as is left to right hand drive conversion parts. In addition it imports and supplies a large range of rod, rubber and dust boots and other automotive parts. Bricon offer an overnight courier service and also an express same day service for urgent repairs.

The other half of the Bricon Engineering Group is The Trailer Shop that provides an extensive range of trailers for all towing and boating.

Clients always come first.

“

Part repair for four wheel drive vehicles is another Bricon Engineering speciality, as is left to right hand drive conversion parts.

In addition it imports and supplies a large range of rod, rubber and dust boots and other automotive parts. Bricon offer an overnight courier service and also an express same day service for urgent repairs.

”

Bricon Engineering would like to thank Firma Foreign Exchange, Wairau Engineering Supplies and Bricon Engineering for their ongoing supports.

Trailer Shop is the place to go for sales and service.

The group synergy comes with the repair and modification service offered on trailers, camper vans and caravans through Bricon’s engineering workshop.

If parts need to be repaired or made for these vehicles Bricon’s specialists can do this to the highest standards and quality.

Bricon Engineering NZ and The Trailer shop - a union if not made in heaven then certainly made in an engineering workshop. AT Bricon Engineering Group 5/95 Ellice Road Glenfield Wairau Valley North Shore Auckland T (09) 444 5571 E workshop@briconengineeringgroup.co.nz www.briconengineeringgroup.co.nz www.thetrailershop.co.nz — Advertising Feature

of all makes and models

We carry a comprehesive range of engineering supplies including Air Liquide and Lucas Oil petroleum products.

• Rust Repairs • Boat & Box Trailers • Servicing, Repairs & Parts www.thetrailershop.co.nz

PROUD TO SUPPORT BRICON ENGINEERING GROUP WWW.WAIENG.CO.NZ

Your Foreign Exchange Experts. info@FIRMAfx.com

www.FIRMAfx.com

6A Vega Place Mairangi Bay North Shore Auckland

P. 09 478 4520 F. 09 478 4521 M. 021 758 685 E. sales@waieng.co.nz

CALL US TODAY ON 09 444-5571 Remanufacturing: Steering & Suspension Parts, Ball Joints, Tie Rod Ends, Engine Mounts

Engineering Group Ltd.

www.briconengineeringgroup.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 75

Goods & Services | Texon NZ

Congratulations

Keeping feet firmly on the ground

TO

TEXON NZ LTD

Texon New Zealand is one of those companies most of us don’t know even exist and yet we use or see their products every day.

(MUDGWAY BROS LTD) FOR

75 YEARS

They are the nation’s leading supplier of foot care components and shoe care products to the manufacturing, repair and retail shoe shops that we see in every shopping mall, or on every town throughout New Zealand.

IN BUSINESS

Formerly known as Mudgway Brothers Ltd, the company was established in 1939 by brothers Jim and Ron, and it is Jim’s son, Jim Jr, that still holds the reins of the company today, although it is now known as Texon NZ Ltd (after a 2006 buyout of Texon).

Jim is an amazing character who knows the footwear industry inside and out, having served a full apprenticeship in his youth. It was Jim who was dispatched by the family in 1959 to Christchurch to open a South Island sister factory, primarily because he could operate and repair every piece of machinery in the factory.

Little wonder then when Jim, in his later career, won the respect of his peers and was elected president of the New Zealand Footwear Manufacturers Federation and also chairman of the Auckland Footwear Trade Group.

PANTONE PROCESS BLACK PANTONE 485

Meet the Texon team:

Those were heady days of expansion - two factories, 120 employees and Mudgway Bros supplying component shoe parts to shoe manufacturers all around New Zealand and the Commonwealth.

Jim Mudgway

<

Nowadays the shoe industry is very different and heavily import based, but Texon adapted well and continues to thrive.

Managing director – Jim Office manager – Gaye Sales representative – Andrew Purchasing and pricing – Marie Warehouse manager –Mark Warehouse - Nick

and wood heel turning. Accessories such as shoe linings, insole boards, soling sheets, buckles, elastics and eyelets are all sourced and supplied from a global network to provide for the local New Zealand market.

“By expanding the business via strategic In a parallel development the company cleverly takeovers, organic growth and diversification of expanded, aided by the strategic purchase of our product lines, we have been able to control Texon, into the rapidly developing shoe repair our destiny,” explains Jim, who guides the and shoe care market. company day to day.

“Many people are opting to ‘care and Many of Mudgway Brothers competitors, and repair’ their favourite shoes – especially the indeed the companies they supplied, failed to more upmarket brands which cost more to survive the era of cheap imports of footwear purchase in the first place,” explains Jim with and sadly closed. consummate logic.

Texon has endured thanks to a company mantra With such dedication, professionalism and of thinking and planning ahead, anticipating business foresight, it is not difficult to see future market trends and for the most part, why those retailers in the shoe care and repair being accurate with their predictions and market business see Texon as their one stop solution research – a fact Jim and his team are rightly for all footwear related needs. proud of.

An ever increasing product range with world “We have built a strong reputation for quality famous brand names such as Topy, Tana, and dependability in our expertise for providing Tarrago, Moneysworth & Best, Goodyear and solutions to footwear manufacturers needs.”

Indiana, plus more than 2,000 other products in stock, ensure that retailers need not wear out An onsite manufacturing plant ensures Texon any more shoe leather looking anywhere else is fully capable of making componentry - from but Texon for supplies. AT fully finished resin and leather soles to insoles Under Jim’s strategic guidance and careful positioning in the market, Texon today occupies a secure place as a major player in the footwear components and shoe care products industry.

Texon NZ Ltd 228 Neilson Street Onehunga Auckland T (09) 636 1380 E orders@texonnz.com www.texonnz.com

SHOE REPAIR PRODUCTS

— Advertising Feature

Access Control Lodging Systems Key Systems Door Hardware Locksmith Supplies Safe Locks Building 1, Level 1 Unit C 4-8 Pavilion Drive, Airport Oaks Mangere, Auckland 09 274 3341 | info.nz@kaba.com www.kaba.co.nz

Well Done www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 77

Goods & Services | Blueberry Country

Goods & Services | Parakai Springs

A healthy hot spot

Taste of the good life You can’t get fresher than picking your own blueberries fresh off the bush!

Blueberry Country is your first point of call this time of year where you can pick your own and whip them up into sensational baking creations, fruit cocktails, ice cream or healthy snacks.

Blueberry Country is a family run business located in two areas in the Waikato, at Ohaupo and Ngatea, and is the largest blueberry grower in New Zealand. Established in 1991 by Greg and Alison Furniss, they planted their first blueberry bushes back in 1977.

A day trip to either of the Blueberry Country orchards is very much an experience for the whole family.

The cafés at both orchards operate seven days a week from 8am – 6pm and offer a variety of meals and snacks, including blueberry ice cream made onsite where you can watch the experts make the ice cream.

The picking season begins at the end of November and tapers off around late February/

March depending on the weather, and you can pick as much or as little as you like.

Blueberry Country also has a range of blueberry plants for sale for between $15 and $25. Colin says growing a blueberry plant is relatively easy, “Much like any citrus or fruit tree, but uses slightly different fertilisers”. Blueberry plants can be successfully grown in the garden or in plant pots. AT

Open 365 days a year, every day is a good day to visit Parakai Springs!

Campers receive the added benefit of half price entry to the Parakai Springs hot pools for every night that they stay.

One of New Zealand’s best natural thermal hot pools, Parakai Springs is just 40 minutes from Auckland’s CBD. All the water is naturally heated from beneath the earth, and containing wonderful minerals that are well-known for their health benefits.

Local attractions in the area include Skydive Auckland, Tree adventures, four Track Adventures, Kaipara Harbour Tours, Tasman Rides and Helensville Pioneer Museum.

Parakai Springs features large indoor and outdoor pools, as well as two thrilling hydroslides which have been the main attractions for decades. The huge outdoor pool is heated to 32 degrees and the indoor pool heated to 40 degrees.

Parakai Springs also offers a range of amenities to ensure visitors enjoy a full day of entertainment, including barbecue and picnic areas located throughout the park, and there are options for hiring marquees for groups, stage and arena hire for events, as well as private thermal spa pools and saunas.

Adjacent to Parakai Springs pools is the Parakai Springs camping ground and it includes a large kitchen, bathroom and wash room.

Blueberry Country 397 Jary Road RD1 Hamilton T (07) 823 6923 - Ohaupo T (07) 867 7552 - Ngatea — Advertising Feature www.blueberry.co.nz

KEEPING IT FRESH

Hi-Chill NZ Ltd are Blueberry Country’s choice for Refrigeration Engineers to supply and maintain all their sites and we congratulate them on their vision for constantly upgrading www.hichill.co.nz | P: 07 579 3492 | E: enquiry@hichill.co.nz

Hangs fragrantly in the air, in a supremely hygienic washroom

Proud to support Parakai Springs

Country NOW OPEN IN 2 LOCATIONS 229 CENTRAL ROAD SOUTH, NGATEA 397 JARY ROAD, OHAUPO VISIT WWW.BLUEBERRY.CO.NZ OR PHONE 07 823 6923 FOR INFORMATION OR DIRECTIONS

PICK YOUR OWN BLUEBERRIES

Open 7 days 8am - 6pm | Eftpos Available

At $10 per kg, picking your own blueberries is a fun summer activity for the family.

Our cafe serves light refreshments and snacks, baked goods, and real fruit ice cream or frozen yoghurt.

78 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Call 0800 350 400 www.fumacare.co.nz

Parakai Springs’ private venue is a purpose-built function facility for groups from 30-150 people and is BYO. It features a large prep-kitchen and large barbecue, which can be hired on the day if you prefer to self-cater, or you can bring in a cater company.

Experience the relaxation of a naturally heated mineral spring pool in a spectacular rural setting. AT Parakai Springs 150 Parkhurst Road Parakai Rodney T 0800 HOT POOLS (468 766) info@parakaisprings.co.nz www.parakaisprings.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Goods & Services | Eric Paton Engineering

<

Systems are being improved and upgraded at Eric Paton Engineering

New owners bring big opportunities Eric Paton Engineering has been growing and developing since new owners Glenn and Kate Keane took over late last year, with plenty of fresh innovation getting injected into the 67 year old Penrose business.

Glenn and Kate are creating an exciting future for the company, which was founded in 1947 by Eric Paton, who had a strong belief that anything was possible. The couple are enthusiastic about making sure the company keeps pace with new engineering technologies and business practices, and are using their wealth of business experience to further strengthen the company for an exciting future.

Workshop and woodworking manager, Gavin Davies says Glenn’s extensive engineering background has brought about a level of flexibility not previously seen in the business.

“Here at Eric Paton we have made changes in the way we think and operate,” he says.

“We can take on more work now that requires a high skill set and it gives us more ability to be flexible and complete a wider range of jobs.”

Glenn has also implemented new communication systems to enable job information to flow easily between the office and technicians out on the road.

Broad engineering services Eric Paton Engineering is still performing all its existing services, including repairing, replacing and making new parts and machinery, overhauling and servicing industrial gearboxes, and undertaking machining services such as CNC machining, for a wide range of industries and applications.

<

“CNC machining, gear cutting and grinding are our main business, but our biggest growth at the moment has been in branding irons and butter knives,” Gavin says.

The company is now owned by Glenn and Kate Keane

“It’s not a major part of our business but it’s still a growth area. What makes us different is the smaller things; we’re one of the only companies in the country that do branding.”

Eric Paton Engineering also does a lot of reverse engineering, which involves replacing or recreating existing parts for customers. “They bring in a broken part or smashed gear and we can figure out how they made it and replicate it.”

While they recently employed a full time salesperson, Dennis Nicols, who is bringing in new inquiries and work, Gavin says the team is primarily focussed on servicing its existing customers well.

“We’re in the service industry and we offer quick turnaround; if somebody has something that’s broken, they need it fixed as soon as possible. That’s one of the biggest parts of our business; keeping our customers’ businesses going. We have a team of guys who can do the work when they’re needed – that’s where we win customers.” AT

Eric Paton Engineering Limited 89 Station Road Penrose Auckland T (09) 579 1139 0800 PATONS (728 667) E info@ericpaton.co.nz www.ericpaton.co.nz

DIAMOND BIT & TOOL SUPPLIER

Eric Paton Engineering’s broad range of services includes Jobbing: • Parts, new replacement and repair • Machine building, repair and conditioning

Diamond drilling bits and reamers Wireline and conventional core barrels and drill rods

• Machining, including CNC • Precision grinding • Full general engineering services.

Geared motors: • Replacement parts

Down hole motors

• Overhaul and repair of industrial gearboxes

Drilling equipment consumables

• Geared motors

Eastman survey cameras

• All general gearbox servicing and overhauls.

Resin bond and metal bond

Woodworking cutters and heads: • Planer/moulder cutter heads • EP4 solid profile cutters and heads

Electroplated wheels

• EP6 finger joint tooling • EP7 (L type) production moulder tooling.

Branding: • Branding irons • Branding wheels.

Supporting services: • Quotations • Drawing • Design • Inspection.

BEARING

Machining inserts and lapping compound

MINING CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING

WHOLESALE Automotive, Industrial and Marine Comprehensive Range

SPEAK TO AN EXPERT

Automotive Bearings

+61 (2) 9997 7033

Bearing Units

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Industrial Bearings

— Advertising Feature Comprehensive Range

Triangular Protrusion & Ball End Set Screw

95 Morrin Road, Panmure Ph: 09 570 4195

F: +61 (2) 9997 8313 sales@asahi-diamond.com.au www.asahi-diamond.com.au

E: sales@bearingwholesale.co.nz

www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 79

Transport & Motoring | Whangaparaoa Collision Repairs

Bright green and dead keen In just two short years Whangaparaoa Collision Repairs has managed to gain a solid reputation for delivering quality workmanship and as such, is moving from strength to strength.

The company consists of a young, yet experienced and capable team. Based on Whangaparaoa Road in Stanmore Bay, the bright green building is the go-to place post fender bender. Manager Matt Cameron has lived in the Hibiscus Coast for more than 20 years and sought to establish a business based on the industry that he has been involved in from a very young age.

“We’re a relatively young team but we all have good industry experience and we’re ambitious and forward thinking. We’ve invested in technology and streamlined our processing to ensure the customer receives a thorough and efficient service.”

‘Continuous processing’ is a term used by Matt to describe the proficient systems in place to speed up the paint process without jeopardising quality. “Continuous processing is a system by which we use fast-cure primers and infrared dryers to co-ordinate the time-frame of a paint job exactly. This can reduce the return time of a smash repair job significantly.”

Matt is focussed on improving his business acumen and prides himself on learning as much about the industry as possible to give

the company a distinct competitive advantage.

Such as recently returning from tradeshows in Australia armed with new knowledge he’s ready to implement for the betterment of the company and its customers.

Services • Panel beating/collision repair • Spray painting • Paintless dent removal • Touch-ups • Rust/corrosion repair • Recommended by all major insurance companies

Your local One Stop Toyota dealership Family owned & operated for over 23 yrs

• Chassis repairs and alignment • Plastic welding repairs • Windscreen removal /alignment (contracted out).

The future is bright for Whangaparaoa Collision Repairs, almost as bright as the green building on Whangaparaoa Road.

The heavy traffic flow combined with the eye-catching paint job has helped the numbers come through the front door during the past two years.

With the company now active on Facebook, the young team are using all avenues to let the public know that they’re keen… and bright green! AT

Testimonial “What a pleasure to meet such a professional and enterprising person such as Matt. The work on our car was excellent and carried out promptly. We recommend this firm to anyone needing vehicle repairs.”

- J Boyens, Whangaparaoa

Whangaparaoa Collision Repairs 611 Whangaparaoa Road Stanmore Bay Whangaparaoa Tel (09) 424 2754 E matt@whangaparaoacollision.co.nz www.whangaparaoacollision.co.nz — Advertising Feature

HAVE YOU LOOKED US UP ONLINE?

Come see the family, come see the cars.

Covering: sales, service, parts and finance.

Proudly supporting Whangaparaoa Collision Repairs

Contact us on: (09) 927 7632

www.albany.co.nz | 0800 65 77 55

The team at Otbury Refinish Solutions are proud to be supporting Whangaparaoa Collision Repairs.

We wish the team all the very best for the future T. 09 633 4920 | F. 09 636 9751 | www.otbury.co.nz 80 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz

Transport & Motoring | Jackson Van Interiors

Getting your van fit for purpose Tradies are only as good as their tools! And the real efficiencies come when you can put your hand on every tool and widget quickly. When onsite, having everything in its place, to be found quickly is where Jackson Van Interiors come into their own.

Solutions for the Fisher & Paykel fleet With vans on the road across New Zealand, the Fisher & Paykel promise that, in 90 percent of cases problems will be rectified within the initial call-out, means clever storage solutions have to be found.

This, of course, means having the necessary equipment and spare parts on hand to try and eliminate the need for technicians to return to the job.

The challenge: organising the necessary equipment and spare parts to fit as much storage into the back of this van as possible.

Jackson Van Interiors fitted a cargo barrier for driver protection and then installed a shelved system with colour coded bins, providing storage for the many parts carried to make finding things simple and fast. It is also arranged so each technician can make small customisations to suit the way they work.

The team craft a customised range of practical professional van fit-out solutions for any purpose.

Being a second generation, New Zealand company, the team takes pride is designing and manufacturing seating and many fit-out components in New Zealand - the only company deliver a solution that exactly matches the in this sector to do so. client’s needs.”

When it comes to commercial van fit-outs, CEO Sarah Ward says they are also the only company to import and use the strong and versatile Rola Case range.

“We work closely with our clients, finding out how the van will be used, and how best to store all the bits and pieces they need on hand.”

The Jackson Van Interiors team is made up of 25 skilled and experienced people and the consultation can involve all the team members who will be doing work on the van. “This is a real advantage and helps us ensure we

For 35 years, Jackson Van Interiors has been making on-the-road jobs easier and safer, delivering quality workmanship for hard working vehicles. Be it a fleet of vehicles, or a customised single fit-out, driver safety is the highest priority, with the team specialising in the design and installation of cargo barriers and equipment storage, roof racks and tow-bars.

The company has a strong reputation for quality and has a long list of clients that have been using their services for years.

Peter King of Super Shuttle has been using the

company exclusively since 2000 to fit-out the shuttles for the ten New Zealand centres.

“Prior to becoming our exclusive supplier, they had completed fit-outs previously on our vehicles, as far back as the late 1980s.

They have provided us with the quality and consistency that the Super Shuttle brand requires.

Genuine high quality 12oz canvas Tailored specifically to fit each type of seat Save on expensive seat repairs Over 800 vehicle & 50 quad patterns available Designed, tested and certified air bag seat covers

www.blackduck.co.nz

Jackson Van Interiors 32 Lovegrove Crescent Otara Auckland T 0800 274427 info@jel.co.nz www.jel.co.nz

“Their management and staff are a pleasure to deal with and have always been helpful and available to discuss the products and services they have on offer. Moreover they have the factory capacity to meet completion times on schedule,” Peter adds.

SEAT COVERS Quality Guaranteed

The back of a van may be a small space - but with expertise and experience the Jackson team can do just about anything. The solution and parts used will be determined and customised to suit the client. AT

— Advertising Feature

UTES VANS COMMERCIALS-TRUCKS QUAD BIKES CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AGRICULTURE MACHINERY Ph: 0800 158 479 Fax: 06 844 8281

FLOOR MATS sales@blackduck.co.nz www.aucklandtoday.net.nz December 2014 81

Hospitality | The French Café

The finest of fare The French Café on Symonds Street is a shining light of fine cuisine, impeccable service and elegant decor. But how has this beautiful restaurant achieved such success and longevity?

“We offer everything a fine dining restaurant should, but we are approachable, our waiters are friendly and our food is real and not just a pretty picture.”

Success of this kind has to be worked for however, and times have not always been rosy for The French Café. “The recession didn’t help the restaurant business and we had to dig deep for a few years after having a really good run of business for a while.

“In these circumstances you need to reinvent yourself. You don’t change your concept because that would be a huge mistake, but you Part of the answer lies in the fact that it is a keep yourself interesting to the public and when partnership between husband and wife team, times were tough we looked at ways we could restaurant manager Creghan Molloy Wright and work more efficiently.” executive chef Simon Wright, who bring the This philosophy and approach has paid warmth of their personalities and their exquisite dividends and during the years, The French attention to detail to every facet of the dining Café has received many accolades for the experience at The French Café. dining experience that it so outstandingly offers, “We are always constantly evolving and claiming many Restaurant of the Year awards. redefining our concept, changing our story, “Awards are important, no question, but the real which keeps us fresh and motivated about the success of any restaurant is the customers. restaurant and that shows in the experience Without them your restaurant would have we offer,” they say. “We want everybody who no purpose.” comes to The French Café to be transported There is little doubt that The French Café will to another place for a few hours, to leave their continue to evolve and redefine itself to maintain outside worries at the door and to let us look its pre-eminent position. “There is always what after them.” we call ‘the dream’ at The French Café. There’s And looked after the guests most certainly are; talk of a wine cellar and we would love to remodel the kitchen so Simon can by attentive, professional and knowledgeable work more efficiently in a calmer and more staff. The restaurant may be known as a fine dining establishment, but as Creghan and Simon beautiful environment.” say “Our style is almost what you might call Simon has also recently launched his second ‘relaxed fine dining’. cook book, Saison, which he notes “shows how

NZ Ltd

we have evolved as a restaurant over the last 16 years, not only in the food, but in our philosophy and our view of what a restaurant should be”.

No man stands alone Proud supplier of seafood to The French Café.

Thank you to the team for being a pleasure to deal with.

P: 09 274 5853 | F: 09 274 5854 | M: 0275 750 370 | E: sales@crystalbayfoods.co.nz

The team at The French Café recognise and thank the following companies for their support: Crystal Bay Foods, Peter Maude Fine Wines and Zealfresh. AT

The French Café 210 Symonds Street Eden Terrace Auckland T (09) 377 1911 www.thefrenchcafe.co.nz — Advertising Feature

Peter Maude Fine Wines NEW ZEALAND’S SPECIALIST IN FINEST FRENCH WINE

Congratulations to The French Café on this latest well-deserved award.

Their commitment to quality has always been outstanding.

We have been importing an unrivaled selection from the great Burgundy domaines, and the chateaux of Bordeaux, for 35 years.

For private and trade enquiries: Call (09) 520 3023 or E-mail petermaude@pmfw.co.nz | www.pmfw.co.nz We are located for advice and sales at 33 Coates Ave, Orakei, Auckland

82 December 2014 www.aucklandtoday.net.nz